ROCKINGHAM — Another spring season senior night celebration was held on one of Richmond’s athletic fields Wednesday.
The Richmond Lady Raider soccer team recognized its six senior players ahead of its home match against non-conference Cape Fear High School.
This year’s seniors were Emma Altman, Kaleigh Cloninger, Jenna Gardner, Evie Howell, Gabby Lutz and Allie Rodgers.
Starting at midfield and walking toward the home bleachers, each player was introduced by public address announcer Arthur Gilliam.
Walking with the senior players were family members and friends. Creating a walkway by lining up on either side were their underclassmen teammates. Meeting the seniors and their families were coaches Chris Larsen and Bennie Howard.
As a gesture of thanks for their contributions to the program, each player received a flag with Richmond’s crest and their number on it. The other players also presented the seniors with gift baskets.
Prior to the start of the match, Howell and Lutz sang the National Anthem together.
“It’s always a privilege to take a few moments to recognize our senior players,” Larsen said. “It’s not enough time to express our appreciation to the girls and what they’ve contributed to our program the last three or four years.
“This group started during a COVID-shortened season and really progressed,” he added. “Kaleigh, Gabby, Jenna and Allie have been solid multi-year starters on varsity who have really carried our program. Evie has helped us the past few seasons and it was nice to have Emma back as a senior.”
The Richmond Observer will publish results from Wednesday’s match soon.
Below are photos from Wednesday’s soccer senior night, taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.
