Riley McKeever 25’ and Holly Matchinsky 25’ are the only seniors on their sports’ teams this season. McKeever and Matchinsky have thrived and shown incredible perseverance throughout their many years as student athletes, despite being the only ones on their teams to graduate this season.
Unlike previous years, the 2025 season has turned out to be unique for the softball and beach volleyball teams due to a lack of seniors. Both captains have taken on the challenge and have continued to exceed everyone’s expectations.
McKeever has been on the varsity softball team since her freshman year. While playing catcher and second base, she has been able to utilize her versatile experience to bond the team both on and off the field.
Brian McNerney, assistant softball coach, is impressed with how McKeever has influenced the team as a leader. “Riley knows how to be a leader and is a natural one. She knows how to take charge and all the girls look up to her and respect her.”
Co-head coach Thomas Sahhar also believes that McKeever has done an excellent job as captain. “Riley leads by example, and the future seems to be very bright,” said Sahhar.
Even though McKeever is the only team captain, she has never felt like she has been forced to take on the responsibility of the role alone. “A lot of the girls have taken on leadership roles, regardless of not being a captain.”
Due to everyone on the team getting along really well, McKeever believes the season’s ending looks promising. The softball coaches agree with McKeever. Despite the team being younger, they are experienced and bonded through the previous state championship wins.
McKeever’s softball career will not end after this season. She is committed to Minnesota State Moorhead.
McNerney is thrilled that McKeever is getting a chance to continue her journey. “I’m glad that Riley is getting a chance to be recognized. She has done a lot for this program and will continue to do well.”
McKeever has one piece of advice for upcoming players, “Don’t be afraid to stand out in tryouts because that’s the best way to get noticed.”
McKeever is not the only senior this spring season that has performed with excellence, Matchinsky has also done an amazing job with adjusting as the only senior on Xavier beach volleyball.
Like McKeever, Matchinsky also has experience of four seasons on the varsity team. This experience has continued to shape her season and skills as a leader.
Being the only nominated leader for the 2025 season is a major adjustment for Matchinsky. Matchinsky recognized that the role of being the single senior has its struggles, but she said she “wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”
Maintaining team culture is important to Matchinsky. She wants to ensure that the team continues to thrive like it has previously.
Matchinsky has decided to stop playing beach volleyball after high school. This decision, however, does not influence the advice she has for upcoming players.
“Always remember that being a good teammate comes first and supporting each other helps bond the team that you love,” Matchinsky said.
