SENIOR REFLECTION: Chandler Howard
Apr 29 | Softball
SENIOR PROFILE: Chandler Howard
As the regular season draws to a close, the Rutgers softball program reflects on the 2015 senior class. Senior outfielder Chandler Howard (North Wilmington, Del.) has played a pivotal role for the Scarlet Knights across her four years "On the Banks."
In 2012, Howard embarked on her freshman campaign, earning a spot in the starting lineup in 44 of 49 games. The Delaware native had no trouble adjusting to the collegiate level, finishing third on the team in batting average and slugging percentage. Howard registered 37 hits on the year and finished with a perfect stolen base percentage. At the conclusion of the season, she earned All-BIG EAST accolades for her accomplishments.
Moving into her sophomore campaign, Howard continued her rise. The outfielder made an early statement, notching a 14-game hitting streak and a 24-game reached base streak. Howard finished second on the team with a .305 batting average, showing her consistent growth and dedication. She also tied for second on the squad with 11 doubles and 33 RBIs.
Howard's progression came full circle in 2014 as the Concord HS product registered a breakout season. The then-junior registered 63 hits on the season, a mark that ranks third-most in program history. Within that total were nine home runs, which tied for the team lead and fourth in the Rutgers single-season record books. Registering a .389 clip, Howard earned a share of the team MVP and was named to the NFCA Division I All-Mideast Region First Team, along with All-American Athletic Conference honors.
In her final chapter as a Scarlet Knight, Howard has continued to guide the Scarlet Knights on and off the field. The leftfielder has registered 50 hits so far this season and ranks second on the stat sheet with 12 doubles and five home runs. On April 25 at Penn State, Howard recorded her 200th career hit, breaking into the top three in the Rutgers career record books. With a few more contests remaining, Howard is set to graduate amongst the top five on the career charts in doubles, home runs and RBIs.
The senior leaves behind a legacy of leadership and excellence, a mark that will forever remain as a foundation to the program. With Senior Day and graduation looming around the corner, Howard reflected back on the highlights of her time as a Scarlet Knight.
SENIOR REFLECTION:
Q: What has been your best memory across the past four years?
A: "Picking one memory seems almost impossible, but one of my fondest memories would be beating Houston on their home field and advancing to the second round of the conference tournament and having the chance to play on ESPN."
Q: What will you miss the most after you graduate?
A: "I will miss working side-by-side with an amazing group of girls to achieve common goals in the sport we love. "
Q: What are your future plans?
A: "I will be attending Rutgers Graduate School of Education with a focus in elementary and special education."
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: "I would like to thank my family for their non-stop support to follow my dreams. I would also like to thank my fellow seniors -- there's no one else I would have wanted to go through this journey with. Also, I would like to thank my teammates for always having my back and helping contribute to the best for years of my life."
SENIOR DAY:
Join Rutgers softball in honoring the 2015 senior class on Saturday, May 2nd at the RU Softball Complex. Prior to the first pitch against Wisconsin at 1 p.m., RU will conduct a pre-game ceremony to recognize all three seniors.
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- RU-
