Senior nights are always bittersweet. After four years, these athletes have committed long hours and created a family outside of their homes. Their last home game is a culmination of all their hard work as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Girls Soccer
The girls held their senior night on the last home league game of the season on Jan. 29. Although the team lost to Moorpark 6-1, it was a special night for both the seniors and the underclassmen.
“I’m sad I have to say goodbye to these girls pretty soon, but am also happy to experience a new environment,” senior Malea Johnson said. “I’m going to miss the passion we all share and the relationships I’ve made, which makes playing on the field even more priceless.”
Reflecting back on league, one of their best games was an away game against Royal.
“We were full of energy and passion,” Johnson said. “Prior to the game everybody was getting hyped up which led to our prepared mindsets. We were positive and fought through to win 4-0.”
The girls head into Division III CIF playoffs with anticipation and hope.
Girls Basketball
The undefeated league champions celebrated their senior night on Jan. 30. Continuing their streak, they dominated Moorpark with a score of 82-33. All the seniors have cherished the special memories and basketball victories they have had throughout their high school careers.
“In the back of my mind there’s always a voice reminding me that these are the last games of my high school career,” senior Lindsay Gould said. “But I try to stay present, focusing on the moment and enjoy the time I have left.”
One of the team’s favorite memories this season was their trip to San Diego over winter break for a tournament.
“It was a lot of fun and I think we grew closer as a team, on and off the court, because of our time spent together,” Gould said.
They ended last season as CIF Champions and are hoping to win State this year.
Boys Soccer
Boys soccer took home the league championship title after their 3-1 win against Camarillo during their senior night.
“It’s sad but at the same time it’s [the] most exciting season for me. Each game [is] one more to last I’ll ever play for highschool, and that makes me cherish each moment,” senior Artun Vance said. “Each practice session, every team dinner, and every game means so much more as a senior.”
Vance recalls his favorite league memory was at the 2022-2023 Kanan Cup game.
“The buildup, the anticipation, the atmosphere, everything about the game was just perfect,” Vance said. “Winning it was pure joy and I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys to do it with. The cherry on top was the girls winning too.”
The boys are confident and fighting their way through CIF playoffs to their goals and avenge last year’s early loss.
“Each game, the wins, the losses, and the ties, have all taught us valuable lessons that we will take into each game of the playoffs,” Vance said. “We all know how heartbreaking it was for last year’s team to lose so early and we can’t wait to take revenge for them.”
Boys Basketball
After celebrating their seniors, the boys are league champions after beating Camarillo 49-45 in a suspenseful and high energy game on Feb. 1.
“In my senior season on and off the court, I have made many memories and built tight bonds with my teammates that I will cherish forever,” senior Ethan Perez said. “It’s sad that it all has to come to an end but regardless I have had lots of fun and enjoyed my least season playing basketball at Oak Park.”
For the boys, the student section filling the bleachers in their home gym is something that will be forever memorable.
“My favorite moment this season would have to be when we played and went on a huge run towards the end of the game and the student section was cheering and going wild,” Perez said. “The energy and emotions I felt in that moment were surreal and something I would never forget.”
Every senior appreciates the time they have left on and off the court with their teammates. All winter sport teams are proud of the accomplishments they have made together as a team.
