Surrounded by family, friends and the sound of laughter and music, the No. 5 North Carolina women’s tennis team celebrated a victorious end to its regular season this weekend.
The Tar Heels swept the final weekend of the season with a 5-2 win against Maryland and 4-0 demolition of Boston College.
But for three of the Tar Heels, the Senior Day festivities were bittersweet.
“I’m really happy that we won on Senior Day and finished strong for the regular season, but at the same time I’m sad that I won’t be here next year,” senior Shinann Featherston said.
Her fellow seniors, Haley Hemm and Jennifer Stone, also said they feel that sadness, as they prepare to say final goodbyes to a team that feels more like a family.
Hemm believes this year’s team developed that familial bond during its trip to Puerto Rico during Spring Break and it has only gotten stronger as the season has progressed.
“I’d say we’re the closest team in the NCAA, but of course I’m very biased,” Hemm said.
“We’re a big family; we love each other a whole bunch, and every time we walk on the court, we’re playing for each other.”
Stone also said she feels those bonds but believes that they are especially strong among the three seniors.