Seniors conclude final seasons as fall athletes

By Ruby Liles

Photo by Sarah Bratton

From big plays and wins over competitors to city-wide recognition to college commits, fall 2019 in Turkey Nation was one for the books. But for several of our student athletes, with the end of first quarter comes the close of their high school athletics chapter. In this edition, Tatler honors our fall sports seniors: all their victories, tough losses, and hearts left on the fields, courts, and trails. 

VOLLEYBALL
Simone Ivy
The Thursday before last, SMS volleyball witnessed a first (and last). “Simone Night” was an unforgettable moment in Turkey athletics, the likes of which will undoubtedly never be seen again. Lone senior and libero, Simone Ivy (12) was recognized on Sept. 26’s senior night for her commitment to the team and accomplishments within the sport. Ivy not only leads the team in number of aces (37), but also through her defensive skill and mobilizing attitude. 
“I feel like it’s my responsibility to handle the entire back row,” Ivy comments on the pressures of being the libero and only senior on the team. Most volleyball fans know Ivy for her signature serves, which seemingly effortlessly scale the net with impressive accuracy. 
“When I go back to serve I still get so nervous,” Ivy explains. “But I just take some breaths, do my thing where I bounce the ball, and serve. It’s such an adrenaline rush —I don’t think, I just do.” 
According to her teammates, this second nature skill is what sets Simone apart.

SOCCER
Lillian Bannister, Lizzie Higereda, Sydney Ellen Blen, Lily Beasley, Taylor Gallik, Mary Jones, Celia Stem, Katie Krahn
This past week, Varsity Soccer beat White Station 4-1 at their senior night at Joy Field. The sport with the most senior representation, soccer has had an amazing season and will be advancing to the state playoffs in Nashville on Oct. 19. 
Three knee surgeries following a torn ACL and related medical complications back in 2017 kept Katie Krahn (12) from the previous two years’ playoffs. Krahn made her return to varsity in the game vs Madison on Sept. 13. Not only was she tackling, making runs, and setting up for goals like she’d never missed a day on the field, but Krahn closed out the scoring for the game with a far post goal in a moment that left her coaches, teammates, and the entire crowd teary-eyed. The Daily Memphian additionally recognized and covered her journey and success on the field. 
This resilience and tenacity is characteristic of SMS soccer players; teammate Lily Beasley (12) is no stranger to the “total body sacrifice.” 
“Lily always puts the team before her own body,” says teammate Lizzie Higereda (12) of Beasley’s impressive defensive skills. “She’ll take the pain of getting knocked down and get back up and keep going.” 
Back in July, Taylor Gallik (12) announced her verbal commitment to play soccer at Roanoke College. Having been named one of 20 Memphis Area High School Girls Soccer Players to Watch in 2019 by The Commerical Appeal, Gallik continues to be recognized for her goalkeeping skills, specifically her angle-covering finesse and dexterity for high-balls. Taylor’s teammates say her verbal communication with the team has been crucial to this season’s success and the closeness of the team as a whole.​

​CROSS COUNTRY
Emma Feinstone, Ginny Bratton, Lily Van Brocklin
Cross Country has had a fantastic season of personal records (PRs) and increased bonding as a team, facilitated especially by senior Ginny Bratton, a Tri-Athlete, who devotes herself to athletics in a way that models true athleticism to the younger girls on the team. 
“She is a born leader who works so hard on the team,” says Coach Hensarling. 
Bratton has a PR of 22:51.00 in the 5000 meter run and works hard to improve her times daily, according to Coach Hensarling. Teammates Emma Feinstone (12) and Lily Van Brocklin (12) have shown great dedication to the sport, participating all four years of highschool. Van Brocklin even broke her personal record for her 5000 meter run on Sep. 25. Several of the senior runners will be participating in the St. Jude races this November and in the revamped Gobbler 5K in the spring.

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