Senior Night: The Moment You’re Never Really Ready For

My son has played soccer since he was five. From his first clumsy kick to the final high school whistle, it’s been a journey of early mornings, muddy cleats, and sideline pride. For years, I watched other families experience Senior Night—the tradition where graduating players are honored alongside their parents—and I thought I knew what to expect.

Spoiler alert: I was not prepared.

For three seasons, I helped plan senior night for other players. I knew the routine: the flowers, the announcements, the photos, the walk across the field. I thought I’d be ready when it was our turn.
But when the spotlight finally hit my son—and me standing next to him—no amount of tissues could have prepared me for the onslaught of emotion.

In our small town, Senior Night isn’t just a ceremony. It’s a heartfelt celebration of growth, community, and connection.
The coaches have seen your child since they were half their current height(even if that was just Freshman year). The other parents have become your people- your ride or die, your tribe. And the team? They’re more than teammates—they’re family.

If you're approaching your child’s senior night, here are a few things I’ve learned:

• Soak it all in – Don't worry about the perfect photo. Just feel it.

• Celebrate the journey – From toddler shin guards to varsity wins, it’s all part of the story.

• Live in the moment – It’s okay to cry. It's okay to laugh. Just be present.

I’m so deeply thankful to the parents who helped organize my son’s senior night. I finally got to be on the receiving end, and it reminded me that it really does take a village—and that village? It’s more than worth it.

To all the parents getting ready to walk that field: you’ve earned this moment, too.

*If you’re like me and like to celebrate everything to its fullest, check out these fun customizable Fat Heads. These were a HUGE hit at games and as photo props throughout the season.

https://amzn.to/4mougSQ

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Where it all starts

They always say it goes by in the blink of an eye.

And somewhere between sleepless nights, potty training, packed lunches, late-night homework, and endless sports schedules—you blink. And suddenly, you’re not prepping for the next chapter… you’re staring down a whole new novel.

This spring, my only son, Apollo, is graduating high school and heading off to college. And while I’ll always be his mom (or mama when he needs something), the dynamic is shifting. I’m learning how to stand on new ground—ground that’s quieter, unfamiliar, and full of possibility.

A little backstory: I had Apollo in April of my senior year of high school. Just two months later, I graduated in the top 10% of my class and headed to the University of Mount Union to pursue a degree in Accounting. Determined to make the best of an unexpected situation, I juggled textbooks and bedtime stories, part-time jobs and final exams. There were many long nights (and biology books read aloud to a baby), but four years later—I earned my Bachelor’s degree.

Of course, I didn’t do it alone. I had an incredible support system, and I know I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

Since then, my adult life has been a steady stream of pushing forward—always climbing to the next hurdle, the next goal, the next season. But this season? It’s different. With my son moving into his dorm and me officially stepping into empty nest territory, I’m not just facing change—I’m inviting it in.

And instead of letting fear take the lead, I’m saying: bring it on.

This space is my attempt to embrace this transition with humor, curiosity, and zero judgment. I’ll be trying new hobbies, prioritizing self-care, maybe traveling a bit, and doing everything in my power to avoid the full-blown midlife meltdown.

So if you’re on the verge of your own “what now?” season, welcome. Let’s figure it out together—one deep breath, one new experience, and one almost-ugly cry at a time.