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. 

Sammy Franco, Volleyball
 
Why Stonehill?
When I first stepped onto the Stonehill campus, I was immediately impressed by how beautiful it was—the brick buildings and beautiful landscaping made a lasting impression on me. But meeting my future teammates and watching the volleyball team play was what really made my decision. Volleyball was the main reason I chose Stonehill, but I also wanted to challenge myself by leaving California and going to college across the country.
 
Leaving my family was one of the hardest parts of those first few years. I was excited to be independent and experience something new, but I was also incredibly homesick. What I didn't expect was that Stonehill would become a home away from home. My volleyball coaches, teammates and their families welcomed me, supported me, and always made sure I felt included.
 
Over the years, my teammates have become some of my closest and lifelong friends. We have grown together, challenged each other, and supported each other through so many moments. Even our families have become friends, which makes it so special when my family visits Stonehill and we all spend time together.
 
Coming from a Holy Cross high school, I also felt a familiarity with Stonehill's emphasis on family and the values of the Holy Cross community. Those values helped me feel like I belonged from the beginning. That sense of community extended beyond volleyball. My professors have had such an impact on me. My art professors encouraged me to explore my creativity and express myself, while my education professors helped me grow into the young educator I hope to become.
 
There have also been people who made me feel cared for in the smallest but most meaningful ways. Father Tim has always made a point to say hello when he sees me and has sent me emails to check in on me since my freshman year. Those little moments have meant so much to me, especially when I was so far from home.
 
Lessons Learned
When I think about the person I was when I arrived at Stonehill compared to who I am now, I see someone who has become more independent, confident, and comfortable stepping outside of her comfort zone. I have learned that growth doesn't mean doing everything on your own. Sometimes it means allowing the people around you to become your support system.

I came to Stonehill for being a part of the volleyball team and the opportunity to experience something completely different from home. I am leaving with so much more: lifelong friendships, professors and mentors who believed in me, a passion for education, and a second family. Stonehill became home because of the people, and that is what I will carry with me long after I leave.
 
To view the past Senior Reflections visit this site: 2026-2027 Senior Reflections. 

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