Class of 2025 Blair High School graduates Brynn Ray and Blythe Knight played one last soccer game together Friday at Omaha Skutt.
Both Bears were selected to the Dark team for the Nebraska High School Soccer Senior Showcase all-star matchup.
“It's the last time I get to play with the one person I've played with my entire life,” Knight said before the match. “So, it just means a lot to have one good game. One game I can look forward to and say, 'You know what? Here's my end date.' Then I can hang up the cleats.”
Ray, who'll continue her soccer career at Minnesota State in the fall, agreed that it was special to play with her classmate one last time. It was fun to team up with BHS' usual opposition, though, too.
“It's kind of fun to play with them for once,” she said.
The Dark team lost to the Light team, however, 9-4. Gretna East standout Sonora Defini, who the Bears met throughout the spring season and during the state tournament in May, was the leading goal scorer during the match.
Even in defeat, though, Ray and Knight helped raise money for the Showcase's sponsor — Special Olympics Nebraska — with their participation.
“It's really meaningful that we're going to be helping Special Olympians,” Knight said.
Ray said it was particularly special to BHS student-athletes, who've seen their now former school's Unified Sports programs progress in recent years.
“It's really growing,” she said. “So it's really special to be able to play for them.”
