Seniors Ellie Chaffee, Lucy Voysey and Bridget Roudebush signed their official letters of intent to play volleyball in college Nov. 15 after school in the gym. Chaffee signed to Xavier University, Voysey to Benedictine College and Roudebush to Rockhurst University.

“It’s the game I have loved to play since I was little,” Roudebush said. “I wanted to continue to do what made me happy while also having more competition at the collegiate level.”

The ceremony began with an introduction of the seniors by the varsity volleyball coach and mathematics teacher Bob Lampen. Lampen spoke about his experience coaching the three players and focused on what each senior brought to their team and the court.

“We had an unprecedented seven seniors on a team of 12,” Lampen said. “This made for a very special season and one of the most enjoyable teams I’ve been apart of.”

After the introduction, Roudebush and Voysey had another coach give a speech. The parents of Chaffee, Roudebush and Voysey followed the coaches with a few words about their daughters’ abilities and perseverance throughout their careers.

“You aren’t here because you’re lucky,” Chaffee’s father Harper Chaffee said. “You are here because you have worked extremely hard.”

The seniors also gave speeches about their volleyball careers and how excited they were to continue at the collegiate level. They thanked coaches, family and friends for helping them complete their goals.

“It meant so much to have all of my close friends there supporting me,” Chaffee said.

Finally, as friends and family cheered from the stands and cameras flashed, the seniors signed, confirming their plans to play at a higher level.

“The people that were there are the ones who helped me get to where I am,” Roudebush said. “So it was really nice to have them there to celebrate with me.”