ATLANTA- Just two weeks ago, Georgia Johnson, Maddie Gordon, Olivia Stasevich, Kate Novack, and Cara Guthrie, helped lead the Sandy Panthers to a 3-0 record at the Day of Duals in Atlanta. At the time, these student-athletes could not predict that the final whistle of the day would be the final whistle of their collegiate careers. 
 
Over the past two weeks there have been many moments of mixed emotions for all student-athletes, especially those in their final season of play. With so much of the season unplayed and many rites of passages skipped, it seems like the semester, and for some their college career, is ending with many loose ends.
 
Now more than ever little acts of kindness can go further than before, and that is exactly what the beach volleyball coaching staff showed. Last week with two seniors, Johnson and Gordon, left in town, the coaching staff threw a mock graduation for the duo. The celebration included head coach Beth van Fleet announcing each girl over the intercom, as if it was Senior Day. The seniors took pictures, received flowers, and capped off the afternoon with celebratory Sprite showers. 
 
"I had no idea the coaching staff planned anything," said Georgia Johnson. "I was heading up to the courts to take some fake graduation photos. As I arrived Beth was on the loudspeaker announcing me. I was completely overwhelmed."  
 
Johnson, a native of Australia, was able to celebrate the impromptu moment with her parents. The couple had traveled to America to see Johnson and the Sandy Panthers play for the last six weeks of the season. The coaching staff's actions brought the family to tears as they were able to celebrate together. 

This season Johnson had earned eight wins, primarily in the first position with Stasevich. During the Day of Duals, she found her 71st career win, best for fifth in program history. More importantly than the wins, Johnson and the rest of the senior class helped cultivate a team culture centered around grit, passion, and commitment.
 
The end of senior year is always met by a variety of unknowns and angst. This year's seniors have had to experience this earlier than any other class. Johnson has coped by reflecting on the positives of this year, rather than what could have been.The political science major is back home in Australia, but what will come next for the fifth winningest player in program history is yet to be determined. 
 
"I am excited to see my family," said Johnson. "After that I am keeping hope that I am not saying good bye to Atlanta, just see you later."