EASTON, Mass. – The 2026-2027 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. 

Makenna Slocum, Women's Ice Hockey

Why Stonehill?
I chose Stonehill because of the opportunity to be part of a new women's hockey program. It is a privilege to contribute to its growth, help build its legacy, and be part of something meaningful from the beginning. It's special knowing that the traditions we created, the standards we set, and the culture we built can continue long after I graduate. Being able to look back on this rare opportunity and watch Stonehill hockey grow into an established Division I program is something I will always be proud of. If you ask anyone who has attended Stonehill or even just stepped foot on campus, I can almost guarantee that they will mention the tight-knit community. This is an aspect that truly separates Stonehill from the rest. I never imagined attending a college where professors knew me by name, checked in on how I was doing, and genuinely cared about my success outside of the classroom. At Stonehill I never felt like just another student. I felt seen, supported, and valued. That sense of community made a place that was initially so far from home eventually feel like home itself.

How Stonehill has shaped you?
Stonehill has taught me a lot of valuable lessons, especially when it comes to perseverance. Moving away from home forced me to overcome challenges that I may have typically shied away from. Whether it was simply adjusting to the college lifestyle, managing adversity through sport or navigating the demands of the classroom, I learned that difficult moments are not something to run from, instead they are opportunities to grow. The people at Stonehill fully invested in me by supporting me during those moments and helping me recognize my potential. My coaches and athletic training staff have demonstrated the importance of consistency and the value of getting 1% better every day. Through their leadership I have become not only a better hockey player, but also a better person. My professors have guided my learning to help me expand my knowledge and develop confidence in my own ideas. The community and resources embedded within Stonehill have instilled in me that personal growth is not something achieved alone, rather fostered by others. Most importantly, I can't thank Stonehill enough for the friendships I have formed along the way. These friends have shown me the true meaning of friendship, showing up for me in ways I never could have anticipated. I am leaving Stonehill with friendships I can no longer imagine my life without, and I know these bonds will last far beyond my four years here.
 
When I first stepped onto campus, I was hesitant going into any new situation and often wanted to remain in the shadows. As a freshman, I was too concerned about the opinions of others that I let it determine who I was. Four years later, I am unapologetically myself as I now know that I do not have to have everything figured out to in order to take a chance, speak up, or put myself out there and that is one of the greatest gifts Stonehill has given me. As a senior, I have also developed a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader and the impact I can have. On our hockey team, we often use the saying "Leave a Legacy." To me, that does not necessarily mean having the best stats or achieving a fancy metal. Leaving a legacy is about the relationships you build, the example you set, and the difference you make in the lives of others. I want to leave Stonehill knowing that I made a positive impact on those whose paths have crossed mine and helped lay the foundation for a stronger program for the players who will follow in my footsteps.

Best Moments
A moment at Stonehill that I will never forget was winning the NEWHA Championship my freshman year. As the program was only in its second year of existence, and considering how young our team was and the adversity we had to withstand together made the victory that much sweeter. We had put so much time, effort, and emotion into that season, and accomplishing a milestone that we had worked tirelessly toward was an indescribable feeling. Being able to celebrate that victory with my coaches, teammates, friends, and family truly put into perspective how much a sport can bring people together. It was more than just winning a championship; it was a reflection of why we still play the game!

Lessons Learned
Over the past four years, I have learned just how independent and capable I am, even in moments when I have doubted myself. There were times when I found myself wondering, "How am I going to do this?" but I always managed to find a way through, repeatedly proving to myself that I am capable of more than I sometimes give myself credit for. When I first arrived at Stonehill, I was so fixated on making every aspect of my life perfect because I believed that was the only way to set myself up for a successful future. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned about myself is that I can make the most of whatever is thrown my way, even when the outcome looks different from what I originally envisioned. Lastly, I have learned the importance of simply being myself because the greatest growth I have experienced is from embracing who I am rather than trying to be something I think I should be.

Having the privilege of being a student-athlete at Stonehill has taught me the importance of time management, accountability, and productivity. Waking up at 5:30am every morning for practice, attending lifts, video sessions, meetings, going to classes, completing homework, studying, and somehow finding time to eat, refuel, and maintain relationships taught me the true value of time. I learned how to make use of the small windows, whether I was sending emails between classes, completing long papers on the bus to an away game, studying for an exam during the car ride home after practice, or watching lecture videos in the training room, I learned that things get done through discipline and when you are willing to hold yourself accountable when no one is watching. The ability to excel in multiple domains of my life, remain focused, and follow through on my responsibilities is something I will carry with me long after my time at Stonehill comes to an end, and I know it will take me far in life!
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2026-2027 Senior Reflections. 

For the latest on Stonehill Athletics, follow the Skyhawks via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.