McKenzie McGrath| Hometown: Exeter, N.H. | Sports Marketing

Going into college, there was only one sport out of the three that I played in high school that I ever intended to play, which was softball. Yet here I am finishing out senior year of college as a two-sport athlete. Throughout high school, I never considered or wanted to continue to golf in college. But, a few summers ago before my sophomore year, I had heard that they were adding some new sports to Suffolk Athletics, one of which was women’s golf. By no surprise I was asked if I wanted to play on the team. After thinking about it, I decided that I would play.  I figured it was another opportunity and was something that I couldn’t pass up. 

Looking back at the last few years, it’s incredible to see how far the team has come. To go from a new program to a championship winning team as fast as we did, was something special. It’s weird to think that at one point I absolutely never wanted to continue playing in college, and now I can’t imagine never playing for the Rams.  Coming back to the sport of golf was a decision I do not regret one bit.  

Thank you to my team. You guys were always there for me whether I was having a bad day or a good day out on the course. I’ve made some great friends from this team and wouldn’t have wanted anyone else by my side the past few years.  Finally, Coach, thank you so much. Thank you for never giving up on me when some days I just wanted to break my clubs. For understanding that I am a two-sport athlete and making it possible to work around my softball schedule even though it was a pain sometimes, but I appreciated it so much. You have helped me grow as a player on and off the course, and for that, I will always be thankful. 

And now that it’s officially all over, I can say that I’m really going to miss the sport itself and this team especially. To be as successful as we have been with a relatively new program has been unreal. I’m lucky to have been able to be a part of a lot of firsts in the program and to help build this team to where it is now. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my career than on top and winning back-to-back championships. It’s something that I will never forget.   

As one senior season ended for me, another one continued. 

It really hit me that this is the last year that I would ever play softball, so I made sure to soak it all in. Every 6 a.m., every practice, every game, because I knew it would come with a lot of lasts. The last time I would ever put on a Rams uniform, the last time I would throw on my cleats and walk on our field in East Boston, the last time I would ever play the sport I have grown to love for so long.   

When I was younger, softball was at one point irrelevant to me and I never wanted to play it, shocking right? I played baseball for 10 years and was the only girl in the league. It wasn’t until eighth grade when I finally decided to try softball. That was when I found my sport.  

It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride the past four years, filled with a lot of highs, but also some agonizing lows. But it’s the feeling of playing against your rivals, beating ranked teams, when someone hits a walk off, and the intense playoff games, that keep us coming back for more. It’s those feelings that make this game worth the blood, sweat, and tears. 

To My Teammates: Thank you for all of the memories that we’ve had over the past four years. For those of you who still have time left, I have one piece of advice: Take it all in. The four years you have at Suffolk go by in a blink of an eye. Before you know it, you’re going to run out of seasons to play and you’ll be taking your last at bat or throwing your last strike. Then you’ll be taking off your jersey one last time and just like that it’ll be over.  Remember to play with your heart, push yourself and each other, and to play for your team. Never stop believing in yourselves. Make every play like it’s the last chance you’ll ever get because senior year really does sneak up on you. When the day comes and it’s your time to hang it up, make it so you wouldn’t want to change a thing. But one more thing … Go get that GNAC!!! 

To Coach Cara, Coach Holly, Coach Taylor, and Coach Alyssa: You all took part in making me a better player each year. Coming in freshman year, I had to transition from playing shortstop to third base. Without all of you, I don’t think I would have excelled at that new position as well as I did. Thank you for all of the extra help outside of practice, whether it was hitting or taking ground balls, you helped me become the player I am today. 

To Coach Janelle and Coach Nikki: Although I am not a pitcher, I did do my fair share of catching for them over the last four years. Thank you for making sure our pitchers were always prepared and ready for the long season.   

To Coach Davis: Thank you for everything you have done for me and this entire program. You always have our backs on and off the field no matter what. Thank you for always believing in me even when I may have struggled at times. For motivating me on days where I wanted to give up.  You made me not only a better player, but a better person. I knew that when I met you in Rhode Island during that showcase that this is where I wanted to call home for the next four years and play. I’m so thankful to have been a part of such a successful program and I wouldn’t have had that opportunity without you. 

I’ve spent nine years playing the game I love, but the clock has officially struck zero.  It’s hard to think that I have played in my last game ever and that my final inning has come and gone. You get used to something for so long, you create a routine and you stick by it; so you could say it’s going to take some time getting used to not picking up a ball or swinging a bat all of the time. It’s almost like you lose a part of who you are because you’ve played these sports for so long. But for the first time in all my life, I won’t be stepping onto a field or out onto a course next Fall.  

I’ve been on my fair share of sports teams over the years, but no team will ever top this one. Being a part of the Suffolk University Softball team has made its mark in my life and is something I will never forget.  Who knew being between two chalk lines could make someone so happy? I can’t even begin to put into words how grateful I am for the friendships and the memories softball has given me over the years. This team was a home away from home and always gave me something to look forward to everyday. Thank you for being the best second family someone could ask for. Leaving here, I can say that I truly gave all of my heart to this team and left it all out on the field. The four years I’ve had as a Ram have been the best four years that I could have asked for and have far exceeded my expectations. I’m going to miss this so much, maybe not the fit tests that we always dreaded, but everything else, that’s for sure. Once a Ram, always a Ram. 

McKenzie McGrath #13