EASTON, Mass. – The 2025-2026 Senior Reflections is a series of annual collections. Senior representatives of teams at Stonehill have been invited to contribute and reflect on their personal experiences over their four-year careers at Stonehill - both on and off the playing surface. 

Kristy Barry, Women's Swimming

Why Stonehill?
I was initially drawn to Stonehill for its strong, unique commitment to educating the whole person. When I visited Stonehill for my recruiting trip, everything clicked – the beautiful campus, the welcoming community, and the balance of academics and athletics made it feel like the place I wanted to be. The women's swim team was another major factor. I had never met such a passionate, supportive, and driven group, and I knew immediately that this was a team I wanted to contribute to and grow alongside.
 
How Has Stonehill Shaped You As A Person?
Stonehill has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally. The opportunities I've had here have been eye-opening and helped me discover the path I want to take in life. When I first arrived on campus, I was timid yet overconfident about what I hoped to accomplish. Stonehill gave me the space and support to explore new possibilities, reflect on my goals, and grow into the person I wanted to become.
 
One of the most impactful influences was my coach, Matt Distler, who encouraged me to embrace a growth mindset and recognize the power of our individual perceptions in shaping our individual and collective success. This mindset has guided me through challenges, both in and out of the pool, and inspired me to lead with intention and compassion.
 
Through leadership roles and life-changing experiences, I have gained valuable skills that I will carry with me beyond Stonehill. I've grown not just in areas I once saw as weaknesses, but also in ways I had never imagined. Looking back, I feel empowered, grounded, and prepared to continue growing beyond my time here.
 
Best Moments …
Athletically, my best moments at Stonehill were the times when the women's swim team came together, whether at meets, practices, or team bonding events. Throughout my 15-year swimming career, my love for the sport has had its ups and downs, but since arriving at Stonehill, my love for this team has never wavered.
 
We've shared highs and lows, hugs and disagreements, but through it all, the team consistently shows up stronger together. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of building our traditions and memories, which I will carry with me forever. Even though our program is still young, only six seasons in, Coach Distler and the athletes who have touched this team are extraordinary, and I couldn't be more excited to continue supporting them as an alum.
 
Academically, my best moments have been those where I formed meaningful connections with my professors. The psychology and criminology departments' faculty at Stonehill are deeply committed to their students' growth, weaving real-world applications, current events, and personal experiences into their teaching.
 
They genuinely want to see their students succeed and take the time to learn about everyone's individual goals, offering mentorship and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Whether attending court proceedings, participating in research, or being connected with networking opportunities, these experiences have been pivotal in shaping my academic journey. The support and encouragement I've received from my professors have been the cornerstone of what has made my education at Stonehill so impactful and memorable.
 
Lessons Learned
Over the last four years, I have learned so much about who I am and what I value. I've discovered that resilience and prioritizing my well-being are not just helpful in academics and athletics but can also be expanded to help me thrive in all other aspects of life. I've realized that when I take care of myself and give more awareness to my internal dialogue, I show up better for the people around me and create a more positive impact on my community.
 
By going out of state for college, I've also learned how I can be confident and capable of navigating challenges on my own, taking responsibility for my choices, and building a life rooted in my values. One of the most important lessons I've learned about myself is how much my perception and overall mindset shape my experiences, and often the experiences of those around me. By embracing a growth mindset, I've learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth and change.
 
I've also learned that I have a strong voice and a passion for advocating for myself and others. All these lessons have helped me grow into a more confident, grounded version of myself – someone who knows not just she wants to do, but who she wants to be.
 
"Cultivating Resilience"
Throughout my time at Stonehill, I have developed a set of transferable skills that I will carry with me well beyond graduation. I have strengthened my time management skills, allowing me to balance multiple responsibilities effectively and stay organized in any setting. I have also honed my communication skills, which will help me thrive in collaborative environments and take on leadership roles with confidence.
 
In addition, I have cultivated resilience, adaptability, and self-discipline: qualities that enable me to stay focused and navigate challenges with a positive mindset. Finally, my experience as a Resident Assistant has given me valuable critical thinking and crisis management skills, which will serve me well in both professional and personal contexts.
 
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2025-2026 Senior Reflections. 

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