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. 

Lauren Donovan, Softball
 
Why Stonehill? 
I chose Stonehill because of its strong, tight-knit community and how much I saw students were supported both academically and athletically. When I first toured here I knew I could succeed here academically because of the small class sizes, and the amazing faculty that could help me support my academic and career goals. Everything that Stonehill had to offer made me realize this is where I would succeed over the next four years of my life and even after graduation. 
 
How has Stonehill shaped you as a person? 
Stonehill has shaped me into a person I never thought I could become. Both athletically and academically Stonehill has allowed for me to go outside my comfort zone and do things I didn't think I was capable of. As a freshman I was always nervous and worried that the outcome wouldn't go in my favor. But today as a senior I have realized that every hard moment was worth it and it has allowed me to grow into a leader in many different ways and to push myself beyond my beliefs.  
 
Best Moments …
My best moment academically I think has been how my work ethic has changed over the years. At first, my classes felt challenging and I constantly felt like I was falling behind, but over the years I have pushed myself in the classroom in many new ways that have allowed me to succeed in all of my courses.  
 
Athletically, my best moment was junior year when I threw the first no-hitter in Division 1 history at Stonehill, and the first one overall since 2016 against the University of Evansville in Louisville, Kentucky. I really struggled with confidence my first two years and after this moment I knew I belonged here and it created a whole new perspective for me. There were times that I doubted myself but in this moment, I finally realized that all the hard work and extra practice was all worth it. This was not only an accomplishment for myself but my entire team. Without the support of my coaches, my teammates, and family, this accomplishment is not possible so I owe it to them and their support.  
 
Lessons Learned
 
The last four years I have realized that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought. Everyone I have surrounded myself with here, whether that is my teammates, coaches, friends, or professors have pushed me to become the person I always knew I could be. I have learned how to handle pressure, how to adapt when things may not go as planned, and how to always have confidence in myself no matter the scenario. Stonehill has given me so many opportunities, and I will always be grateful for each and every one of them.  
 
There are many skills that I will take with me from Stonehill after graduation this coming May. I think the most important skill I have learned is time management. After learning how to balance classes, schoolwork, practice, travelling for games, and other responsibilities it has taught me how to prioritize the things that were most important. Additionally, both on the field and in the classroom I have learned new ways to strengthen both my teamwork and collaboration skills by being open to listening to others and trusting those who are on my team. These skills have allowed me to become the person I wanted to be four years ago, and I feel ready to bring these skills wherever I end up next.  
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2025-2026 Senior Reflections. 

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