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For the Lethbridge College Kodiaks, the winter season means saying farewell to players coming to the end of their college careers.
The sound of evening practices and roaring fans on game day in the Val Matteotti gymnasium will be a distant echo for multiple Kodiaks on the men’s and women’s teams across all major sports hosted by Lethbridge College. In an earlier interview reflecting on his time at the college, the men’s volleyball libero, Adam Boras, realized the approaching end to the season hadn’t quite hit him yet. He says now that the time has passed, he can appreciate the time spent playing volleyball.
“Now that the season is finished, I’m a mix of emotions. I feel grateful for my time as a Kodiak and reminiscent of all the good memories. I’m also excited for the future. Volleyball has provided me with so much growth and opportunities that I can take into my life after my playing career is over.”
These young athletes saying goodbye to the rest of their fellow players have the chance to leave with their heads held high. In celebration of the senior students leaving, a senior send-off night is held to show appreciation for the impact these individuals had on their teams and their coaches. This proves to be a high-emotion time of year, affecting all of those involved in Kodiaks Athletics.
Greg Gibos, the head coach of the men’s volleyball team, always finds it difficult when it comes to players leaving. He has known some of these student-athletes for 10 to 12 years long before they were Kodiaks. After making these long-lasting connections, Gibos says what he’s going to miss most is seeing them every day.
“Each of these athletes brought such a unique element to the team. They were all amazing team-focused athletes and truly made their teammates better. They are great people and I’m going to miss the side conversations and inside jokes more than anything.”
Regarding the send-off night itself, Boras says it was an emotional event along with his final game. Especially since he knew it was likely going to be his last time ever playing competitive volleyball. Boras grew up in Lethbridge and his family has had a long history of playing volleyball growing up through school until he ultimately connected with Gibos. Boras says he hopes the impact that he and his fellow retiring seniors leave is positive.
“I hope that my teammates felt inspired by some of the tips that I and the other seniors could leave with them. It seemed as though everyone was sad to see us go, but I know they will continue to find ways to grow as humans and as athletes.”
Along with Boras, the men’s volleyball team also says farewell to fellow libero, Sam Crighton and right-side Cole Hemmerling. Gibos hopes that these athletes will look back at their time at Lethbridge College as an incredible experience and if they choose to continue their volleyball careers, they will inspire the next generation of players.