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. 

Julie Holte, Women's Tennis

Best Moments ...
Some of my most meaningful memories at Stonehill come from moments when our team came together under pressure. One that stands out most was a crucial match against LIU. With the match tied 3–3, I was reaching the third set on my court, which would decide the outcome, but it never felt like I was alone out there. My teammates were surrounding the court, bringing constant energy, encouragement, and belief, which gave me the confidence to compete freely. That win was truly a team effort from start to finish and being able to contribute to a 4–3 victory alongside such a supportive team is something I'll always be grateful for. It reminded me that success in tennis, and in life, is built on trust, unity, and the people around you.

Another unforgettable experience was traveling to Florida over spring break with both the men's and women's tennis teams. Competing together while spending time with teammates outside of our usual routine made the trip especially meaningful. The shared experiences on and off the court strengthened our bonds and reminded me how fortunate I am to be part of a program that values both competition and connection. Those relationships are a big part of what made my time at Stonehill so special.

Academics and Mentorship
Academically, Stonehill has shaped me through the incredible relationships I've built with my professors. I've been fortunate to learn from professors who truly cared about my growth both inside and outside the classroom. They challenged me, supported me, and always made themselves available, which helped me feel confident balancing academics with athletics. Those relationships made college feel manageable and helped me discover interests and paths I hadn't previously considered.

I am also incredibly grateful for my coach, who pushed me to grow not only as an athlete but as a person. Coach Smith's belief in me, especially during challenging moments, taught me accountability, resilience, and confidence. Having a coach who expects excellence while also genuinely caring about their athletes made my experience truly special.

Lessons Learned
Through my time at Stonehill, I've learned that growth comes from embracing challenges. I've become more resilient, disciplined, and confident in myself. I've learned how to manage my time, trust the process, and show up even on difficult days. Most importantly, I've learned the value of community from teammates and coaches to professors and classmates, and how much stronger you can be when you're supported by people who believe in you.

To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2025-2026 Senior Reflections. 

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