My favorite moment from the season came after the win at Laurier in our final regular season game. We managed to really dominate a top four team in the conference to close out that game. I believe it was also the first away game that the Queen’s Band and Cheer Team attended to show support and they completely stole the show, even on Laurier’s Senior Day. The environment was already ecstatic—even more than usual after a win—then Coach Snyder announced he had invited a few members of both the Band and Cheer Team into the locker room for his post-game speech and our post-win Oil Thigh chant. You could see pure joy on every face in the room. It was a sense of school spirit I had never felt before!
—Receiver Aidan O’Neal of Men’s Football
I would have to go back to beating UVic in the quarterfinals at nationals. That game was the most emotional and rewarding one I have ever played. We showed a lot of grit in that game. It felt like all of our efforts finally paid off when Maggie Banks blocked that kick for the try. When Gibby (Lizzie Gibson) slotted that kick with no time left in the game to win it, there was definitely some tears of joy, and maybe exhaustion, shed. I have never experienced anything like that game. It was an unforgettable game.
—Maddie Donnelly of Women’s Rugby
Of my five years at Queen’s, this season was the most memorable for me. My favourite part about this season was seeing how our team responded to the adversity and challenges we faced going into playoffs. Finishing our regular season ranked eighth and being able to have two massive upsets on the road and finishing second in the OUA was a big statement for our team. We were more than just teammates this season, and it’s something I will always remember. The support and trust we all had in ourselves, our teammates, and our staff was very special. The support from family, friends, Queen’s University, and the Volleyball community has made it very special to be a part of this group of amazing women and I can’t wait to cheer them on from afar.
—Outside hitter Arielle Palermo of Women’s Volleyball
All of it. My favourite memory is all of it. This season was absolutely magical, and it can’t be reduced to one single moment. It will forever hold a special place in my heart. Having said that, if I had to choose one, probably Claire’s pre-game speeches. That, or medalling at Nationals.
—Guard Bridget Mulholland of Women’s Basketball
My favourite team memory this year is without a doubt our exhibition tournament in Laval, Quebec. Our team went 4-0 at the tournament beating Laval, Manitoba, and Brock. Going into the Christmas break we were 3-4 and had faced a couple of the toughest teams in the OUA. The tournament also fell immediately after Christmas with all of us making our travels on Dec. 26. To me, this shows the absolute dedication my teammates and I have for each other. We gave up travel and vacation plans to compete together, and there is nothing I would rather do. There are so many small memories from that trip that will stick with me for a long time, from the dinners at Boston Pizza to the accordion player in Old Quebec, to the bus ride following a 4-0 weekend. I am extremely grateful to have been a part of this team this year and I can’twait to make more memories with these guys.
—Setter Chris Zimmerman of Men’s Volleyball
Tags
Aidan O'Neal, Arielle Palermo, Bridget Mulholland, Chris Zimmerman, Maddy Donnelly, memories, players
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