The Hackley Girls Varsity Soccer Team faced Poly Prep on Friday, October 1st, in the annual Dave Allison game. They came out on a 2-1 win, with goals by seniors Olivia Kearns and Sophie Miller. For several years now, the senior game has stood not only to recognize the hard work and dedication of twelfth-grade players but also to honor the lasting impact of the beloved coach of HGVS, Dave Allison.

One of the most meaningful senior game traditions is a speech given by Melissas. Stanek, twelfth-grade dean, and history teacher. As a former Hackley student and soccer player, Ms. Stanek was personally coached by Dave Allison during her time on HGVS. His lifelong impact on her belief in herself not just as a teammate, but also as a person, has given her cause to inspire the community with his spirit to this day.

During her speech, Ms. Stanek encouraged the team to play with the confidence and determination that embodies the HGVS theme for the season: “Animal.” Before each game, Mr. A would shout, “What’s the word?” and the team would cheer, “Animal!” Mr. A continued to repeat this chant throughout each season with the intent of inspiring his players to leave everything on the field and play like “animals”. The seniors decided to remember him this year by including the “Animal” cheer as a part of their pregame ritual.