Spring sports senior profiles, an ongoing series

With the spring sports season in question, we here at the Coalfield Progress/Dickenson Star/Big Stone Gap Post hope to run a profile on each and every senior in the paper. Our intention is to give them and their families something to feel happy about in a time of such uncertainty. This will be an ongoing series with different students featured each week.

Eastside tennis’s Sydney Laney

Eighteen-year-old Sydney Laney grew up playing basketball, softball and volleyball, but in eighth grade, she joined the tennis team.

Laney does not intend to play tennis in college. She will be attending UVA Wise and plans to get her undergraduate degree in biology or biochemistry.

Laney describes herself as “mostly disappointed” not just for herself, but for all of the other seniors at Eastside.

“We will not get the traditional senior year that is such a milestone for us,” Laney said.

“I am also extremely sad that I might not get to finish my senior season of tennis with my teammates who I have been playing with for nearly five years,” Laney said.

Laney imparts a message of positivity to her teammates.

“I hope you continue to play the sport we all have all bonded over. Love and cherish all the memories we have made throughout the years. Good luck,” Laney said.

Eastside tennis’s Madison Powers

The Lady Spartans’ Madison Powers has played tennis for the majority of her 18 years. She has opted not to continue playing tennis in college. She will be attending UVA Wise to major in biology and minor in public health.

Powers describes herself as “sad” at losing part of her senior year, but is remaining optimistic for the future.

“I am sad that my senior year was cut short but I am also looking forward to what college has in store,” Powers said. “Although I wasn't able to play my last tennis match as a senior I'm thankful I was able to play with my team for as long as I did.

Powers leaves the following message to her teammates: “Thank you for the amazing memories. I wish all of you the best in the time to come.”