On April 29th, 2026, the Sahuaro Boys Volleyball team held their 2026 Senior Night at the McConnel Gym against Buena High School. Not only was it their senior night, but it was a big match, the last game of the regular season, and for David Gutierez, Javier De La Ree, and Ozvaldo Gamez, it marked the last time they would step onto their home court for a “normal game.”
Before the first serve, families of the three seniors gathered on the court, holding posters, flowers, and joining hands as each senior was announced one by one. Smiles mixed with a hint of emotion, knowing this moment had been years in the making.
First, Javier De La Ree was announced, with his whole family alongside him, in matching shirts and with contagious smiles. He shared, “It was a great season with the guys, with great memories I’ll always remember.” After this year, Javi plans to go through a welding union apprenticeship and get certified. He also wants to travel the country throughout his career.
Then Ozy Gamez, his parents, and siblings were beside him as he took in the moments that would be over in a flash. He said he will miss all of his friends and coaches who have helped him become better at the sport he loves. Ozy’s after-school plan is to attend a trade school to become an electrician and learn to invest in stocks as a side job.
Lastly, David Gutierrez walked the court with his family, some friends, and his favorite teacher, making sure everyone who supported his journey took these steps with him. He says his favorite memory was “Kicking the ball over for a point against Rincon freshman year.” After High School, David plans on going to the Marines as a utilities technician while also getting a cybersecurity certification.
Their teammates, coaches, and team managers watched from the sidelines, and their emotions were evident as they cheered for their friends. The stadiums were full of friends and family cheering for their fellow cougars.
Once the first match began, the energy in the gym shifted from sentimental to competitive. Libero and Senior, David came in ready for every dig, all the extra weight sinking in to the team both on the court and the bench. As multiple rallies went on, determination was important, but the cougars could only hold on for so long before the first match was over, with Buena taking it 19-25.
Teammates rallied around each other to celebrate the good and tried to keep the energy high for the second match. David, Ozy, and Javi shared the back court, ready to fight defense. The crowd began to get louder, and they shared chants with the bench, hoping to get the team to a win. Buena swept in again with a score of 21-25.
The third set was a much-needed win for any chance of a Sahuaro win. Sergio Flores put on the libero jersey, giving David a spot in the outside-hitter position. The boys fought harder than ever, hoping to make this a good memory for their last game. Multiple kills were made, alongside some mistakes, but Gavin Kawaguchi set a high ball for Javi in the right-side hitter position, and a kill echoed through the gym as Sahuaro took the set 25-23.
The fourth set of the game was either Buenas final win, or the Sahuaro Cougars next chance. The game was filled with tension between the two teams, and coaches were on the edge of their seats. Multiple rallies tired out the boys, because this match mattered.
However, the last whistle blew, the scoreboard was updated, and the handshakes commended as Buena took the last set 21-25. This was the last chapter before the playoffs, only a couple more practices, and an unknown number of bus rides, a few last memories, before the high school careers of three seniors end.
