When I reflect on my time as a student athlete at Fordham University I often wonder how I will be remembered. It’s easy to measure one’s accomplishments with stats and accolades, but recently I’ve learned true legacy is so much more than that. 

I’m graduating alongside a fifth-year class containing two of the most successful softball players to ever come through Rose Hill. They’ve broken records, won awards and started every game their health allowed. One swings a bat like it’s a toothpick, the other jumps as if gravity ceased to exist. Their names will live on at Bahoshy Field as two of the best to ever lace them up. But I won’t remember Rachel Hubertus for her home-runs and I won’t remember Brianna Pinto for her stolen bases. 

I will remember them as two of the best, most loyal and genuine friends and teammates a girl could ask for. I will remember Ray’s leadership. Bebe’s kindness. Their perseverance and their dedication to a cause bigger than themselves. We walked into Alumni Court South five years ago as strangers, and we will walk off of Keating Steps in less than a month as sisters. And to me, that is legacy. 

I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe redshirting, riding the bench, bouncing in and out of the lineup and starting consecutive games all contributed to who I am today and what I will be remembered for. Last year I was named a co-captain for our team. The season prior, I only appeared in 18 games. I never check stats, but if I had to guess right now, I have one of the lowest batting averages on the roster. But, if I’ve learned anything in five years, it’s that none of that actually matters. I know that what I leave behind is bigger than a number on a scoresheet. 

This really became clear to me through one of our freshmen, Mallory McClellan. Our strength coach paired me with her in the weightroom and, at first, I can’t lie, I was a little annoyed. I thought she’d slow me down and hold me back. In hindsight, I couldn’t have been more wrong. This skinny blonde-haired wide-eyed outfielder from Ohio showed me what being a leader is all about. I quickly saw a lot of myself in her and saw an opportunity for my own name to live on through the way in which she approaches each day long after I’m gone. These past two semesters, we worked together, pushed each other and both grew immensely. I am so proud of the hard worker, motivator and hustler she’s become and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the future. 

You see, my legacy is a strong work ethic. It’s doing the little things. It’s knowing your role and doing it to the best of your ability to help a cause bigger than yourself. It’s passion for what you do both on and off the field. It’s wanting the best for your teammates and your team above and beyond any personal goals you might have. It’s finding an identity beyond a name on a roster. That is the legacy I hope to leave here.