A Walk to Remember: Honoring Our Senior Girls at Preston

There are moments in a club’s calendar that feel bigger than a game or a single season. Yesterday at Preston was one of those moments. On an unseasonably warm spring afternoon, with temperatures in the 70s and the sun out across a packed complex, Eastside FC came together for a tradition that reflects who we are and what we value. It was time to honor our graduating senior girls.

Our G07/08 ECNL group, led by Coach Mark Kovats, and our G07/08 ECNL RL team, led by Coach Hannah Deighton, gathered on Field 2 surrounded by teammates, coaches, and families. The entire facility was alive with training sessions, and there was a sense that something special was in the air. It felt fitting that a day like this, one that marked the end of a long journey for these players, would be set against one of those rare Pacific Northwest afternoons where everything seems to come together.

Before the walk, Director of Coaching Tom Bialek addressed the group. He spoke about the journey these players have been on, one that included years of training, competition, challenges, and growth. He thanked the seniors for their commitment to the club and acknowledged the role of their families, whose support made so much of it possible. His message was simple and meaningful. These players have helped shape the club, and they will always have a place in it. He encouraged them to come back, to stay connected, and to remember that this will always be part of their story.

Each coach then shared their own reflections, offering personal words that captured what this group has meant to them. There was pride in what the players have accomplished and appreciation for the relationships that have been built over time. These were not just parting remarks, but genuine expressions of respect for the people these athletes have become.

Then came the moment that brings the entire club together. Across the complex, training paused and players from U8 through U17 formed the honorary tunnel. For a brief time, the focus shifted away from individual teams and sessions, and toward something shared. The seniors stepped forward and walked through a path lined with younger players who cheered them on.

The tunnel is a powerful symbol, but it is also something very real. For the seniors, it is a recognition of everything they have given to the club. It is a chance to feel the support of a community that has been part of their lives for years.

At the same time, it is just as important for the younger players who take part in it. For them, it offers a clear picture of what lies ahead. It connects their current experience to a larger journey and shows them what it means to grow within the club over time.

This is why we do it. Our mission of Building Champions in Life is not only about performance on the field. It is about creating an environment where players are supported, challenged, and connected to something larger than themselves. Traditions like the Senior Sendoff reinforce that idea by bringing the entire club together and celebrating the commitment it takes to reach this point.

After the walk, the moment shifted into something more personal. Players spent time with their families, teammates, and coaches, taking photos and sharing stories from their years together. These are the moments that often stay with them the longest, long after the final games have been played.

We honored our senior boys earlier this year in February, and yesterday it was the girls’ turn. While the groups are different, the message remains the same. Being part of this club extends beyond any single season.

To our senior girls, thank you for your loyalty, your leadership, and the example you have set for those who follow. We are proud of everything you have accomplished and excited to see what comes next.

And as Tom Bialek said, do not be strangers. This will always be your club.