Gabby Alves has had the front row seat on Oak Park High School girls volleyball for the last four years, and she certainly took a lot from her experience. As a four-year member of the team and a team manager this season, Alves has gotten the chance to watch the group grow from a fledgling and lesser-organized group to a dominant win-churning machine.

“Knowing this was my last season I was excited, and was looking forward to building better bonds with the team and coaches,” Alves said. “I also wanted to make this season one I would look back on and miss, and that is exactly what I will be doing.”

Alves, while creating memories that she will cherish for years to come, took special notice of key differences between this year’s group and those of previous years.

“What made this team so special was how well everyone got along and the connection between coaches with the players on and off the court,” Alves said. “I saw more of a drive and passion in the team than any of the other years, to just play and win together. This team wanted to grow and become something worth remembering. They wanted to make history.”

One of the main reasons the team was so successful this year was due to the influence of Alves and her fellow seniors.

“This senior class set an example of what it means to be a strong, connected team, working together towards the same goal,” Alves said. “I hope people remember the seniors as examples of what it takes to lead, and bring unity.”

The seniors have all grown together to become the high-powered driving force behind the wins this season. However, it wasn’t always this way, especially when they were freshmen.

“If I could tell my freshman self something before my first game, and it is hard to pick one thing to be honest,” Alves said. “I think I would tell myself to not be so nervous while playing and to not hesitate to go after anything I wanted to go after.”

Alves’ favorite memory of the season is one that will surely be added to the list of ones she’ll never want to forget.

“A moment in the season that stuck with me was playing on senior night vs. Malibu. It felt like such a fever dream and did not feel real at all,” Alves said. “After the game it hit me that that would be the last time I would ever play volleyball in high school again. I was overwhelmed with emotions but was overall happy how far I had come with this sport.”