GRANTS, N.M. – As the Grants Lady Pirates volleyball team prepares for Senior Night, five seniors, Dezrah McNeill, Bianca Murillo, Cinay Monte, Rhyan Brown and Hailey Rose, are reflecting on their volleyball journeys, favorite memories and the lessons they will carry into the next chapter of their lives.
As their high school volleyball careers approach their end, these athletes are preparing to celebrate more than just their time on the court. Their years of volleyball have brought friendships, unforgettable memories, personal growth and lessons that will stay with them long after their final game. For these five seniors, some of their favorite memories come from spending time together away from the court. McNeill and Brown both remembered playing capture the flag in a swimming pool during the Farmington tournament. McNeill recalled how seriously everyone took the game, saying, “It was so funny seeing everyone laugh and try so hard.”
Brown also named the pool game as one of her favorite volleyball memories. Murillo remembered the fun the team shared outside of games, including “making TikToks and just genuinely having fun together.”
Monte’s favorite memories include “the bus rides home and after games eating,” while Rose said tournaments will always stand out, even when the team did not win every game. Volleyball has also taught the seniors valuable lessons they plan to use in the future.
Murillo explained the importance of moving forward instead of dwelling on things outside her control.
She said, “You can only control how you move forward from it.”
Rose shared a similar lesson about resilience, explaining that players must get back up and prepare for the next play instead of focusing on mistakes or calls they cannot change.
Monte emphasized the importance of dedication.
“One of my biggest lessons was showing up everyday when you don’t have to,” Monte said. When asked what they would change about their younger volleyball years, the seniors offered honest reflections. McNeill said she would not change much about her freshman year, although she would have worked harder in practice.
Murillo wished she had talked more with upperclassmen, explaining that she has developed meaningful bonds with younger teammates as a senior.
Monte, who did not play her freshman year, said she wished she had.
Brown would have focused more on passing, while Rose said she would have pushed herself to be more confident and less afraid to play.
Their advice to their younger selves reflects how quickly these years pass. McNeill encouraged herself to enjoy life and make memories, saying, “Before you know it you’ll be gone.”
Murillo reminded herself not to take playing for granted, while Brown encouraged herself to pursue every ball. Rose emphasized giving her best every day because life can change unexpectedly.
Each senior also has a favorite position on the court. McNeill chose setter because she enjoys controlling the game. Murillo prefers the right side, where she feels most comfortable. Monte enjoys playing defensive specialist or libero because she loves keeping the ball off the ground. Brown also chose defensive specialist, saying, “It’s fun and I like to fly around.”
Rose enjoys every position because she simply loves being on the court.
As Senior Night approaches, on Thursday, October 29, the Grants Lady Pirates have an opportunity to recognize the dedication, friendships and hard work these five seniors have brought to the program.
While their volleyball careers are moving toward a close, the memories they have made and the lessons they have learned will remain with them long after their final serve.