- May 2, 2024
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Death is never an easy subject for anyone, much less high school students. That became a reality for the Mainland girls’ soccer team, when they were playing T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School of Pierson Wednesday, Jan. 6. During the junior varsity game, one of Taylor’s players, Rosio Delao, 16, collapsed and was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. That ended the game, and the varsity game was also cancelled.
“We were hoping for the best that night, but a lot of us were really shocked,” said Melissa Farhat, a Mainland varsity player. “I know I can say that every girl on the team cried. We didn't know her, but we felt the impact, and it's horrible for someone to lose their life at such a young age.”
The following school day, Mainland counselors were open to all players affected by the tragedy, but what the Lady Bucs chose to do for their next game exhibited a level of maturity well-beyond their years.
Both JV and varsity team members wore white to school in honor of Delao, and they sent out a card to her family members, which expressed their condolences and assured them that they were in their prayers. Then, for the Bucs’ senior night, they held a tribute to Delao, wearing red hair ribbons (Taylor’s school color) and writing her number on their hands. After the game, they brought in candles and held a prayer circle, conducted by team captain Danielle Hernandez, Rachel Evans and Shannon Ruane.
“We couldn't help but do something for her, since we were there to witness what had happened,” Farhat said.
We won’t be able to prepare for some of the hardships we endure in this life, but I credit these young ladies for putting the game and themselves aside for a matter they deemed more important at the time. Just as Farhat said, they didn’t know Delao, but they have stitched her memory in their minds by going beyond what was never asked of them.
I hope and pray that Rosio Delao’s family and friends, Taylor High School and those affected will be able to get through this difficult time, but I also thank the Mainland Lady Bucs for the class in which they handled the situation. Pray for Peirson.
