On Friday, November 21st, the Garden City Girls Volleyball Team of the AA Di- vision proudly boarded a special honorary bus bound for Glens Falls, New York. Awaiting them were the three top teams in the New York State Tournament—an achievement that already placed Garden City among the elite programs in the state. Anais, as one of the captains, was part of this remarkable team and had also represented the U.S. East Coast Volleyball Team in Armenia earlier that summer. This Garden City squad made school history as the first volleyball team to reach this level, capturing both the Nassau County Championship and the Long Island Championship along the way. Most of the players were seniors—scholastically advanced, deeply engaged in music, science, and athletics. They had committed countless hours to practice, teamwork, and personal discipline. The most important weekend of their high school volleyball careers had arrived, and they were ready. Families and supporters, including the Milan and Bardizbanian cheering group, packed bells, whistles, spare clothing, and boundless enthusiasm for the four-and-a-half-hour journey north. Upon arriving in the small town of Glens Falls, anticipation filled the air. The following morning, the team entered a massive 7,500-seat arena, where three of the state’s strongest Division AA teams were already warming up. The scale of the venue and the intensity of the competition underscored just how far these young athletes had come. As the tournament began, the approximately 50 Garden City supporters filled the arena with encouragement at every opportunity. Under tournament rules, vic- tory would go to whichever team won three of five matches. Garden City opened strong, defeating Yorktown in their first matchup. Confi- dence grew with a second win against Warwick. With two victories secured, the team stood on the brink of something extraordinary. The third opponent, Webster Schroeder, proved to be the most formidable challenge yet. The match was hard-fought and demanding, but Garden City rose to the occasion and prevailed by the end of the day, securing their place at the top of the standings. Tournament rules required that the top two teamsmeet again the following day for a decisive championship match. On Sunday, Garden City and Webster Schroeder—both leading point scorers—returned to the arena to compete for the New York State Championship Cup, surrounded by passionate supporters and the echoing energy of the crowd. Ace server Anais delivered several critical points, demonstrating precise poise, strength, and leadership under pressure. This time, however, Webster Schroeder gained the edge and ultimately claimed the title. The loss was deeply felt. These young women had trained tirelessly, balanced academics with athletics, and climbed to the highest level of New York State vol- leyball. Falling just short was heartbreaking. Yet their achievement stands undiminished. They did not leave Glens Falls as runners-up, but as pio- neers. They set a new standard for Garden City volleyball, proved that excellence is built through discipline and teamwork, and showed younger athletes what is possible through commitment and belief. In sports—and in life—victory is not measured only by trophies. It is mea- sured by resilience, character, and the courage to rise again. This team finished second in the state, but they leave behind a legacy of determination and inspira- tion that will endure far longer than any scoreboard. For Garden City, this was not an ending—it was a beginning.