Grant Hunter, Staff Photographer–
The Denison field hockey team defeated Washington and Jefferson College 5-0 on Nov. 2 and honored two seniors with flowers and countless hugs from teammates, coaches, friends, and family.
Deeds Field was detailed with hand-painted posters, photographs, and decorations for Athena Joannou and Kristin Kelly’s big day. Joannou is a goalkeeper and Kelly plays in midfield and attack.
The two were honored before game-time, their accomplishments announced for the public to hear, followed by photos with their families, an applause from the crowd and fellow teammates, a hug from Head Coach P.J. Soteriades and a colorful bouquet of flowers.
Joannou reflected on the Senior Day tradition, to her the experience almost seeming surreal. After growing as a player and person, watching those above her climb the ladder, she was finally the upperclassman being recognized and celebrated.
“I’ve gone through this program for four years, and I’ve watched three other amazing groups of seniors experience this moment; now that it’s my turn, it makes it feel like an out-of-body experience,” said Joannou.
For many, Senior Day is a highlight to be made a memory. For most the climax of an athletic career.
“To me, Senior Day is pretty much the culmination of your time as an athlete, and I’m just so incredibly grateful to be surrounded by this amazing group of women to celebrate with me,” Joannou said.
Once game time rolled around, it took the Big Red roughly one quarter to get the offense and scoring charge going.
Once they did, there was a ton of action for the home team and next to none for the visitors.
Emma Gebhart ‘27 continued her hot streak and led the momentum, netting three goals for the Big Red Weekend crowd.
Her first goal was a rocket, quick, direct, right into the middle of the wooden backing on the goal; the loud, crisp noise rang out, and fans yelled and jumped for joy as a result.
Riley Desmond ‘27 and Maddie Gaines ‘28 each contributed to the scoring campaign. Desmond snuck one through traffic, falling down as she scored, and Gaines tipped in a slick pass from Gebhart to add five to the scoreboard and put the game out of reach.
Joannou kept the scoring for Washington and Jefferson non-existent. She brought it all and allowed the opponent nothing on this special, sought-after day for her personal history book.
As the game clock dipped down to its final seconds, the buzzer sounded, and the team huddled, hugged, and laughed in excitement and gratitude.
“I think sometimes people view Senior Day as the end of an era, but I think one amazing thing about this program is, even when you’re not on the roster, you’re still a part of the family,” Joannou said.
Left Photo: Athena Joannou ’25 walking down the sideline during the halftime of the Senior Day game. Right Photo: Kristin Kelly ’25 running down the field during the game.