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.  

Iasmim De Sousa-Vieira, Women's Cross Country 

Why Stonehill? 

When I was looking at colleges, Stonehill was already a familiar place to me because my brother had attended the College. While that initially gave me a connection to Stonehill, I quickly realized that it was a place where I could create my own experiences and build my own identity.  

I still remember visiting Stonehill on my recruiting visit and meeting with Coach Karen Boen and Coach Carl Boen. During my visit, I watched my future teammates complete a workout under the lights at W.B. Mason Stadium on a late October evening. Seeing the girls push themselves, support one another, and look so strong together immediately stood out to me. Hearing Coach Boen's voice carry across the field as she challenged them was something that really stuck with me. There was a sense of confidence, purpose, and connection within the team that I wanted to be a part of. I remember thinking to myself, "I want to be on this team."   

How Has Stonehill Shaped You as a Person? 

Stonehill has shaped me by teaching me that growth is not always a straight line. Throughout my four years, I have experienced moments of success, challenges, and uncertainty that have helped me become a more patient, resilient, and self-aware person. Beyond athletics, Stonehill has helped me understand the importance of the relationships you build and the impact you can have on the people around you. I have learned that leadership is not just about accomplishments, but about showing up, supporting others, and bringing your best self to the community you are part of.  

When I first stepped onto the Stonehill campus, I was excited about the opportunity ahead but also trying to find my own place. Stonehill was already familiar to me because my brother had attended the College and having that connection made the transition feel more comfortable. However, I quickly learned that my experience here would be my own. I did not want to simply be known as my brother's sister.  

Today, I am much more comfortable being myself and trusting the person I have become. I have learned to be "loud and proud" in who I am, whether that means encouraging my teammates, or sharing my ideas. Stonehill has helped me realize that confidence does not mean having everything figured out, it means believing in yourself, embracing every single challenge, and continuing to grow. Looking back, I am proud of the person who first stepped onto campus because she was willing to take the chance, but I am even more proud of the person I am leaving as a senior who did not give up.  

Best Moments 

Athletically, one of my favorite moments at Stonehill came this past year after having a few strong races following a challenging first two years of my college career. During a workout, after finishing a rep that at one point once felt impossible for me, Coach K.Boen looked at me and rhetorically asked, "You know you're wearing new clothes, right?"  She explained that the phrase meant she was seeing a different version of me, a version that had grown, and improved. While this was not a moment where I won a race or achieved a major accomplishment, it was one of the moments that meant the most to me because it was a realization of how far I had come.   

Academically, one of my favorite experiences at Stonehill was having Father John Denning and Mrs. Heerman as my First Year Experience professors. Having the opportunity to learn from two people who are so deeply connected to the Stonehill community, Father Denning as the College's President and Mrs. Heerman as his Chief of Staff and Assistant, was an incredible experience. Both helped me feel connected to the College from the very beginning. That class showed me the importance of community and curiosity while giving me some unforgettable memories, and lifelong bragging rights.  

Lessons Learned 

The most important thing I have learned about myself is that I am capable of more than I once believed. When I first arrived at Stonehill, I had goals for myself, but I did not fully understand what I was capable of achieving or how much I would grow throughout my four years here. Looking back, it is incredible to see how many challenges I have faced and how those experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned that growth does not happen overnight. It comes from showing up every day, trusting the process, and continuing to push forward even when things do not go exactly as planned.   

Being a Division 1 student-athlete has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of consistency. Balancing the demands of cross country and track with my studies has challenged me to prioritize, stay organized, and perform under pressure. I have learned how to manage a busy schedule, stay committed to my goals, and continue putting in the work even when the results are not immediate. I have learned the importance of using my voice, whether that is encouraging a teammate, contributing in the classroom, or presenting my ideas in front of others.   

To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2026-2027 Senior Reflections.  

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