Worthy of Celebration
Creating is not only about art
I wrote about this when I first discovered it. I’ve also written four articles for the local paper, Loudoun Now, providing images and a story for each game I’ve attended1.
I’m not getting paid. And I’m not planning on a career as a sports writer/sports photographer either, as much as I enjoy those things. The lifestyle wouldn’t suit me.
So why have I done it?
Because I want to help an organization that I think is pursuing growth for all the right reasons. The newspaper hadn’t assigned its own precious resources to cover the team, so I volunteered to cover them whenever I’ve been in town.
Their final game of 2025 was last Thursday, their first-ever post-season appearance. They were vanquished on the court, despite their best, spirited efforts, and their opponent advanced to the next round.
But the Virginia Valley Vipers showed themselves proudly throughout the evening, from owners to players and support staff. From the opening ceremonies to the moment the lights were turned off.
Putting hands on hearts is a tradition with our national anthem, but there are always plenty of moments in each Vipers event where a person might do that for other reasons. At other moments a person might just sigh, or let out a long “awwww…..”
Yes, the athletic contests are excellent, and I enjoyed seeing the games and providing photographs for all of them. Both the Vipers and their opponents on this night, the Capital Seahawks, can and do play well both above and below the rim.
But as much as I love watching skilled players compete, the wonder of these events derives from the interactions of all involved. With the kids especially. Remember, this is a playoff elimination game. Their intensity throughout the game was no joke. It’s a contest the players desperately wanted to win to keep their season alive, and they’d just come back from whatever motivational speeches took place in the locker room between halves. Nevertheless, check out #15 Mondahle Daniels in the image below as he turned to greet a small child, or the boy in orange walking with the team, as if he’s a member.
No wonder the fans are enthusiastic.
Things don’t always turn out the way fans or players would like. But arguably the best part of each event is saved for last, anyway. The season might be over, but the end of this game was like all the others I attended. You would think they won every game they played, this game included, based on the demeanors of all involved. It’s all hugs, selfies and autographs, for as long as fans want to hang out. Kids and adults alike.
I spoke with the team’s most senior player after the game, Braeden Allen. He was First-team All-State for Virginia in a local high school and played for Monmouth University while in college. I asked him if he thought he’d return here next season. Despite his earlier successes and accolades, he wasn’t shy: “I hope so… this has been one of the best experiences of my life. The best.”
In a perfect world, teams and athletes in all sports, at every level, would follow the Vipers’ lead.
We all should. And we could, in our own way. Couldn’t we?
Until next time,
Is there something here you like or dislike? Questions? Have anything else to say? Let us all know by clicking on the Comments button below, and express yourself. Don’t be shy, now.
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If you are interested, here are: First Article, Second Article, Third Article, Fourth Article from this playoff game.
really awesome story
i've seen this type of respect only in rugby where after a match the players from opposite teams not only are applauding each other but are having a drink together so to speak after they finish to pay respect to the fans and supporters.
we went to a rugby match (as supporters) in france. the local supporters were greeting us with bread and wine, it was unbelievable camaraderie!