After year of sitting on bench, senior finally hits court

Due to UIL rules, when senior Lizzie Hardage transferred from Wylie Prep to Wylie East last year she was forced to sit out every game.

“I felt hopeless when they told me I couldn’t play. I had been practicing with the team so they were already my family,” Hardage said.

Instead of moving down to junior varsity so she could play in the games, Hardage decided to stay on varsity with her “family”.

“I was so happy she decided to stay with us. She truly showed her dedication to the team during our practices,” varsity player senior Bethany Rowe said.

During the play-off games last year it was especially hard for her to sit out.

“My heart was and is always with my team. I wanted to play so badly but I knew they could handle the season without me,” Hardage said.

After a year of sitting on the bench, Hardage finally gets to start every game of her senior year on the court.

“It is such a privilege to be on the court every day. It was well worth the wait,” Hardage said.

Even though she never played in the games last year, losing any game still affected her.

“Every time we lost she was there for us. When we lost, she lost with us. On or off the court we are all a team,” varsity captain senior Catie Cline said.

Being on the court this year has truly changed Hardage’s bond with the team.

“They were always my sisters, but now I truly feel accepted and part of the team,” Hardage said.

Hardage never slacked off during practices and never took being on varsity for granted even though she was benched.

Playing middle she always practices hitting and blocking.

“We love practicing hitting together. She’s truly talented and we both help each other improve on our skills,” Cline said.

Playing in the games this year has made Hardage’s senior year even better.

“It sounds cliché but playing makes me feel alive. There’s nothing I would rather be doing,” Hardage said.