Playing sports has never been just about competition in Audry McNabb’s colorful, achievement-filled world. They’ve been about community, leadership, and finding joy in every moment—win or lose. As a three-sport athlete at Seneca High School, she has spent countless hours on the volleyball court, basketball court, and softball field, learning lessons that extend far beyond the game.

Her journey started young. Softball came first, and by the time she was in elementary school, she was traveling with a competitive team, the Illinois Irish, playing across the region. But when she found volleyball, something clicked. It became a passion alongside softball, and she invested in club play to refine her skills. While basketball remained part of her routine, it was clear that volleyball and softball were where her heart was.

Now, in her senior year, she’s embracing every moment, knowing that this chapter is coming to a close. Unlike many athletes who aim to continue their sport at the collegiate level, Audry made the decision not to play in college—but not because she doesn’t love the game.

“I’ve realized there’s more out there for me,” she says. “Sports have shaped who I am, but they’re not the only thing that will define me.”

Instead, she’s preparing for her next challenge: nursing school, with plans to become a nurse anesthetist. She’s already taken a major step, earning her CNA certification through Taylor Neurohr’s healthcare program at Seneca High School (see story on page 19) The hands-on experience confirmed what she already knew—helping people is what she wants to do.

While her future lies in healthcare, she’ll always carry the lessons she learned through sports. Trust in your teammates. Keep pushing forward. Lift others up.

“If you dwell on mistakes, you’ll never move forward,” she says. “People won’t remember a missed play from a game last season, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. That’s what really lasts.”

At Seneca High School, sports are more than just an extracurricular—they’re woven into the fabric of the town. The new gym, the updated ball fields, the student sections packed with energy—these aren’t just facilities. They’re symbols of how much the community believes in its students.

“When we play, we’re not just playing for ourselves,” Audry says. “We’re playing for the people who come to support us, who show up because they care.”

That community spirit is what she sees reflected in "The Seneca Way." For Audry, it’s not just a phrase. It’s the expectation that everyone—students, teachers, families—support each other in whatever way they can.

“It means working together to help each other grow, whether it’s in the classroom, in sports, or just in life,” she says. “It’s about making sure everyone feels safe and welcome.”

That sense of belonging is something she wants to pass down to younger students. As a senior, she knows she’s in a position to set the tone, and she takes that responsibility seriously.

“I want younger athletes to know it’s okay to make mistakes,” she says. “The real test is how you respond. Keep your head up, keep working, and support the people around you.”

She knows that when she looks back at her time at Seneca High School, it won’t just be about the games or the wins. It’ll be about the moments in between—football games in the stands, school dances, and the little things that make high school feel like home.

And while she doesn’t know where life will take her after college—whether she’ll settle down in Florida, the East Coast, or back home in Seneca—one thing is certain: she’ll carry this place with her wherever she goes.

“You only get this opportunity once,” she says. “Make the most of it, and lift others up along the way.”