'Sader Stories: Volleyball Senior Reflections

The Holy Cross volleyball team is set to compete in their final home weekend of the 2026 campaign taking on Patriot League opponent Lafayette (Friday Nov. 6 - 6 p.m.) and Lehigh (Saturday, Nov. 7 - 4 p.m.) for the 50th Anniversary of Holy Cross Volleyball in the Hart Center Arena. Friday is Senior Night and the program’s two seniors, Lily Eigner and Georgia Murphy will be honored for their contributions to the program in a pregame ceremony. We checked in with the senior student-athletes of this year's team to find out a little more about their time on The Hill.

What are your best memories of playing volleyball at Holy Cross?

LE: My best memories have been all the little moments with my teammates, whether it's traveling to games, joking around at practice, dancing in the locker room, or enjoying team meals together. Those are the moments that have made my experience so special. I've also always loved preseason because it's such a fun time to get to know the new girls while growing even closer with the returning girls. On the court, my favorite memory was sweeping Navy on their home court this year.

GM: One of my best memories was sweeping Navy at Navy. It was such a rewarding experience to see our hard work pay off and compete together as a team.

What kind of mark do you hope to have left on the program after your career is over?

LE: I hope to leave a mark on the program by showing what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete. Someone who was dedicated to volleyball while also making the most of the opportunities Holy Cross has given me to pursue my passions and get involved in the community. More than anything, I hope to be remembered as a great teammate and genuine friend who always put the team before myself and supported the people around me, because that's always mattered most to me.  

GM: I hope to be remembered as someone who brought positivity, energy, and fun to the team every day. I always wanted to be someone my teammates could count on to lift them up, make them smile, whether things were going well or not. I hope I helped create an environment where people felt supported and knew how much they were valued as teammates and people.

What life lessons have you learned during your time on the team?

LE: My time on the team has taught me to be incredibly resilient, responsible, and selfless. Being a good teammate was always something I strived for, and I think I did a great job of showing that throughout my career. I've learned how to handle adversity with grace while continuing to put the team before myself.

GM: One of the biggest lessons I have learned is the importance of finding joy in everything you do. Volleyball comes with its challenges, but being part of this team has made it easy to find happiness in everyday interactions during practices. I have learned that enjoying the people around you and appreciating the experience itself are just as important as the results. This is a lesson I will carry with me beyond volleyball.

What is the best thing about playing volleyball at Holy Cross?

LE: The best part of playing volleyball at Holy Cross has been the people I've shared the experience with, especially my teammates. I've been so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing girls who have become some of my closest friends. Beyond the team, being a student-athlete at Holy Cross has introduced me to so many incredible people and opportunities that I might not have experienced otherwise. I love how tight-knit this community is, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it.

GM: Having been part of a couple of different teams, I can confidently say that this team has been the most special to me. The relationships I’ve built with my teammates have made it feel like I’ve been here throughout my entire college experience. I love that we can compete together and push each other to be better while also having fun and enjoying the time we spend together. The people on this team are what make playing volleyball at Holy Cross so special, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.

What are your plans after graduation?

LE: After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in the sports industry, hopefully somewhere on the East Coast.

GM: After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in marketing. I am excited to take the skills I have developed as a student-athlete and apply them to the next chapter of my life. While I am looking forward to new opportunities and challenges, I know the experiences I have had at Holy Cross will continue to shape the way I approach my career and the people I work with.

What will you miss the most after your career is over?

LE: What I'll miss most are the friendships I've made with the girls on the team, including those who have already graduated. I've been so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing women who share similar goals and values, work hard for everything they do, and balance so many commitments at once. Being able to play alongside some of my best friends has made this experience so special, and I think that's what will make stepping away from being on the team so hard. This will be the first time in my life that I'm not part of a team, and looking back, I feel so grateful to have had that experience for so many years.

GM: I will miss the people and the everyday moments with my teammates the most. Being part of a team gives you a built in community of people who support you. I will miss spending hours each day with my best friends. 

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