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. 

Natalie Bottiglieri, Softball
 
Why Stonehill?
I chose Stonehill because it offered me the chance to be academically challenged while also, being able to play softball. Once I stepped onto the beautiful campus, I had a feeling that told me this was the place where I would spend the next four years of my life.
 
How Stonehill has shaped you as a person?
Coming into Stonehill, I did not realize how much I would be challenged daily. I came to Stonehill content with my academic and athletic abilities; however, soon after my first day, I realized I was going to have to push past my comfort zone in order to continue growing as a student, athlete, and overall person. Now, I take everyday head on, trying to better myself a little every day. I also try to not be complacent just because it is comfortable, which means doing things such as waking up early to study extra before a test or taking extra reps outside of practice to work on my swing.
 
Best Moments
I think my best moment academically at Stonehill was seeing how I was able to handle difficult classes. Sometimes I was unsure if I was fit for my major, as many of my classes challenged me. However, I pushed past those thoughts and worked to prove to myself that I could do it. This work ethic allowed me to find success in many of my difficult classes.
 
My best moment athletically was my first recorded hit during my freshman year in California. At this time, the team was playing our first few games against Division 1 schools since it was the first year we transitioned. I had been struggling in the last few at-bats, but that did not stop me from continuing to stay confident in myself. I went up to bat, with no fear, and successfully hit an in-the-park homerun, confirming I belonged.
 
Lessons Learned
Over the last four years, I learned that I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to. There were times when I did not think I could do well in a class or I could not get a hit at a game, but every time I surprised myself. Stonehill has allowed me to find confidence in what I do because I have learned that hard work will give you success as long as you keep working at it.
 
Once I leave Stonehill, I can take the time management skills I have learned from being a student athlete, as well as my work ethic I have gained from taking difficult courses and playing a sport. I think these two skills are important when someone enters the professional world, as they provide the foundation for success.
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2025-2026 Senior Reflections. 

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