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. 

Jaelyn DeBoise, Women's Golf
 
When I first got to Stonehill, I didn't just bring my golf clubs, I brought my whole story with me. As a first-generation Puerto Rican female golfer there weren't always a lot of people around me who looked like me in the world of collegiate golf. I carried my family's sacrifices, my culture, and honestly, a little bit of uncertainty. I wasn't sure how I'd fit in. But what I found was a community that welcomed me, pushed me, and helped me grow into someone more confident and sure of herself.
 
Why Stonehill?
I chose Stonehill because of the academics and the chance to compete at the collegiate level in a sport I love. But what really sold me were the people: the coaches, professors, and teammates who made it feel like more than just a school. It felt like somewhere I could actually belong and succeed.
 
How has Stonehill shaped you as a person?
As a freshman, I was pretty quiet and unsure of myself. I didn't always recognize the value of my voice or my perspective. That started to change once I became more involved with my team. Through practices, tournaments, team meetings, and long nights balancing schoolwork, I realized leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's about consistency, showing up for others, leading by example, and staying steady even when things get tough.
 
Becoming captain of the women's golf team was one of the proudest moments of my college experience. It meant more than just playing well, it meant I had grown into a leader. As a first-gen Puerto Rican woman in a sport that isn't always diverse that meant everything to me. I learned how to communicate better, motivate a team, and handle both wins and losses. Golf has taught me discipline, time management, and how to stay calm under pressure. These skills, I know, I'll use for the rest of my life.
 
Best Moments
Academically, Stonehill challenged me in the best way. I learned to think deeper, speak up, and advocate for myself. One of my proudest moments was being the 2025 Francis Ouimet banquet speaker inspired by my own experience as a student-athlete of color. It felt empowering to use my voice and contribute to conversations that matter, especially knowing I represent communities that are often underrepresented in college athletics.
 
Lessons Learned
Over the past four years, I've learned that my background is something to celebrate, not shrink from. I've learned that vulnerability is strength and that leadership is about lifting others up. Stonehill became so much more than just a school where I studied and played golf. It's where I found my confidence, built lifelong friendships, and truly discovered my voice. I came in unsure and figuring it out. I'm leaving proud, grounded in who I am, and ready for whatever comes next.
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2025-2026 Senior Reflections. 

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