Softball Senior Reflections
Apr 23 | Softball
The 2016 Rutgers softball senior class comprised of Elizabeth Adams, Stephanie Huang, Dresden Maddox, Melanie Slowinski, and Jordan Whitley have inscribed stellar careers into the the history of Rutgers softball. This group of seniors has guided RU to three winning seasons across three different conferences. All four-year starters have left a memorable mark on the program.
On favorite memory at Rutgers: "The endless laughs and venting sessions that have taken place in our individual van during preseason. Those conversations have contributed to some of my biggest smiles and hardest laughs I've had during my time here at Rutgers. Thank you my fellow van, alpha nu, members!"
On advice to incoming freshman: "It's true when people tell you that you'll find your closest friends during college. I'm lucky to be able to call my fellow seniors family and have been able to experience all the highs and lows of college with them by my side. I hope others are as blessed as I was during their time at Rutgers."
On her biggest support: "While my family has always been my biggest support, I want to personally thank my dad for all he's done for me. If it wasn't for him taking me to the batting cages for the after school hitting specials, playing catch with me in the front yard and at my brothers sporting events, or taking me to the local baseball/softball fields and hitting me reps, I wouldn't have been half the ball player I am today. While you've always been my biggest supporter, you've also been my biggest inspiration. Thank you for always believing in me."
Stephanie Huang
On favorite memory: "Celebrating in Houston's locker room after we had just beat them (in the 2014 AAC tournament) for our program's first postseason tournament win since 1998."
On what she'll miss most: `I'll miss the competition that comes along with being a part of a Division I team."
On how she hopes to be remembered: "I hope my teammates remember me as someone who worked hard and had fun."
On biggest support: "I'd like to thank my coaches and the staff for the countless hours of work they have put in. Shout out to Mela for keeping me in one piece--we (almost) made it! Thanks to my teammates for the friendship and endless memories. Lastly, thanks to my parents for being my biggest fans both on and off the field. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish all that I have without your unwavering support every step of the way."
On her contribution to Rutgers softball: "I hope that I can leave my mark by having shown the importance of respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, and the name on the front of this jersey. It's a privilege to wear the block R!!!"
On what she'll miss most: "Being able to have 17 close friends close by who always want to do fun stuff."
On her biggest support: "My fiancé, Luke, for always supporting me from hundreds of miles away. My parents for all the love, encouragement, and vacation days they've spent on my softball career."
On life lessons learned through softball: "That life, like softball, isn't always about the outcome, but the process. There is still much value in giving your best effort, having a positive attitude, and acting with integrity and good character even when you're unsuccessful."
On life lessons learned through softball: "Softball has taught me that not everything is going to be perfect. You are going to make mistakes at times however, you must bounce back and learn from them."
On advice to incoming freshman: "My advice would be to keep trying and not give up. The fall season is going to be tough and your limits may be pushed but it is worth it. You will see how far you have come when you reach your senior year. Get close with your teammates and make memories because it will be something you will always hold on to even when your time is over."
On her biggest support: "I would like to thank my parents for their endless support. It has been a long journey but without them I would not have made it as far as I have."
On what she'll miss the most: "I'm going to miss all the trips together. I loved being able to go to new states and make new memories with my teammates."
On building the foundation for Rutgers softball: "I want everyone to remember that hard work pays off and as long as you believe you've given it all you've got, no matter what the outcome, you can walk away knowing you did all you could. Never stop working hard."
On advice to incoming freshman: "Four years flies by faster than you think. You owe it to your family, your coaches, your teammates, and yourself to work hard from the start and never give up."
On biggest support: "I want to thank my mom, you have been here every step of the way and I would have never been able to get here without you. You rock more than you know, you are my best friend, and I love you. I want to thank my cousin Katie for giving me someone to look up to . My grandparents for always cheering me on and supporting me in any way that they could. Rein and Jaz for reminding me that the game never ends and one day you could be the player a little girl is looking up to. My seniors for sticking through it all four years. Coach Ryan, you set me up for success from the start of my freshman year. And thank you to the support staff for keeping me sane all these years, I wouldn't have made it without you"
On life lessons learned through softball: "Don't get fooled on the change up. Life throws you some junk, but you have to fight it off and live to see another pitch."
