“Meet the Pirates: A Night of Firsts and Lasts”

By Editor | August 19, 2026 |

PCHS men and women’s golf teams

For Pass Christian High School’s Pirates, Meet the Pirates is more than just the kickoff to another fall sports season—it’s an event that looks a little different depending on where you are in your high school journey. After Open House on Wednesday, August 12, Pirate athletes gathered at the football field to celebrate the teams, activities, and excitement that kick off another Pirate season.

For freshman volleyball player Clara Montiforte, the evening was one of new experiences and new connections. “Last night was very nice to see all the other sports get together,” Clara said.

“There was a good bit of people there to see everyone.” As she begins her first season as a High School Pirate athlete, Clara is already looking ahead to the possibility of playing for South State and is excited about the friendships she’ll make along the way.

PCHS teams preparing to enter the tunnel to walk out onto the field when announced

For senior dancer Marcella Hoffman, the same event carried a very different feeling. “It was a little bittersweet since it was like the first activity of the season where I’ve been a senior,” she said. Even with the heat, Marcella described the atmosphere as “fun and relaxed” and is especially looking forward to spending her final season performing at home football games.

From a freshman experiencing her first Meet the Pirates to a senior experiencing her last, the evening captured two sides of the same Pirate experience. While Clara is just beginning to discover all that high school athletics and activities have to offer, Marcella is savoring the final moments of a journey that has brought her friendships, memories, and countless opportunities to be part of something bigger than herself.

Whether it’s a first or a last, Meet the Pirates reminds the PCHS community that every season is about more than competition—it’s about coming together, making memories, and celebrating what it means to be a Pirate.