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. 

Molly Lynch, Women's Basketball

Why Stonehill?
I chose Stonehill because it truly felt like home from the very first moment I stepped on campus. After spending my earlier college years at Rider University, just an hour from my hometown, I was ready to embrace a new atmosphere and challenge myself in a different environment for what I thought would be my final year as a collegiate athlete. I wanted a place that not only valued both academics and athletics, but also fostered a sense of belonging, a home away from home. Stonehill provided exactly that. The community here is incredibly tight-knit and supportive, and the coaching staff reignited the passion and love for the game that first inspired me to play basketball. What I found at Stonehill was more than just a team, it was a family. The balance of competition, opportunity, and personal growth here has shaped me in ways I'll carry with me long after my playing days are over.

How has Stonehill shaped you as a person?
Stonehill has shaped me into a more resilient, adaptable, and confident person. When I first came here, I didn't know anyone, and that forced me to step out of my comfort zone and come out of my shell. I had to learn how to build new relationships, embrace a completely new environment, and trust that I would find my place. Those experiences pushed me to grow not just as an athlete, but as a student, leader, and person. Being here has taught me how to face challenges head-on, lead with empathy, and find strength in the toughest moments, especially during the process of tearing my ACL and fighting to come back stronger. The community at Stonehill, from my teammates to professors to coaches, has been a constant support system that has helped me become someone who is not only prepared for what's next, but confident in who I am today.

When I first arrived at Stonehill, I was motivated but carried a lot of uncertainty about how I would fit in, where my place on the team would be, and how I would go about meeting new friends. Now, as a 6th-year student, I've grown into someone who leads by example, supports my teammates, and takes pride in building strong connections. Through my experiences, I've found my voice, gained confidence both as a person and a player, and proven to myself that I can overcome adversity.

Best Moments
Athletically, one of my best moments was making the decision to come back for a 6th year after tearing my ACL during what was supposed to be my final season of college basketball. The support of my teammates and the success we shared last year, going to the WNIT for the first time in Stonehill history, made that decision an easy one. I wanted to prove to myself that I could finish what I started at a school that had already given me so much in such a short time. Academically, my proudest accomplishments have come from pushing myself in the classroom, earning my master's in marketing in just one year and now continuing my education by pursuing an MBA. Stonehill has given me the opportunity to connect what I'm learning directly to my career goals, making my academic journey here both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Lessons Learned
I've learned that over the course of six years in college, you're supposed to experience ups and downs, and it's through those challenges that you truly discover who you are. That's one of the most important parts of both college and athletics: the growth that comes from the journey itself. Injuries, setbacks, and transitions have tested me, but they've also shown me that I can handle adversity and come out stronger on the other side. I've also learned how vital it is to be part of a team, to put others before myself, and to appreciate the relationships you build along the way, because it's the people you meet who ultimately make the experience so meaningful.

I've learned that leadership and communication go hand in hand, but for me, it's really been about the relationships behind them. I've found that being a good leader isn't just about setting an example, it's about building trust, listening, and making sure the people around me know I care. Communication has helped me connect with teammates, coaches, and professors, but the real growth came from the relationships I built through those interactions. At Stonehill, it was easy to form those bonds because of how strong the community is. The connections I've made here have shaped me just as much as the experiences, and those relationships are something I'll carry with me long after I leave.
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2025-2026 Senior Reflections. 

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