With emotions running high, the Academy soccer team earned a hard-fought and exciting win against Seffner Christian Academy on Thursday, January 12, the Jaguars’ Senior Night. Many came to support Christen Daigle and Leigh Anne Russell, the two seniors on the soccer squad, as they played in their last high school game.

The final game for the seniors took place at Academy at six p.m and finished as the new and improved Jaguars beat Seffner Christian Academy 2-0, a much deserved and exciting win.

Both Leigh Anne and Christen have been on the team since freshman year. Leigh Anne has not only proved herself as an impressive swimmer but also as the soccer team’s star goalie.  Her role is to both save goals and serve as the director of the defense by encouraging communication between team members.

Christen is not only an amazing defensive player but captain of the team. As captain, she leads the team with an annual pep talk before every game, motivating and supporting the team.

Overall the night was an exciting and emotional night for the seniors. Christen recently expressed her appreciation, “I just wanted to thank everyone who had a part in senior night. It went great, thank you so much for helping make this night so special.” Together the two seniors are an important part of the team, and will be greatly missed not only by the team but by everyone.

The game was not only important because of Senior Night but because of the dedication to former Academy head coach Mark Warhola, who recently passed away. These emotions fueled the team to a victory in memory of Coach Warhola.

But, the season is not yet over for the soccer team. Come support the Jags in their quest for a district crown on Tuesday, January 17, as they open their postseason with a game at Tampa Catholic!