Morgan Parmeter, Softball | Hometown: Maynard, Mass. | Radiation Science

As I sit here on the bus driving to St. Joseph (Conn.), I start pondering about my past three years here at Suffolk and being a part of the softball team. These were by far, the best three years of my life. Transferring from Merrimack College to come here was the best decision that I have ever made. Being a part of a collegiate team has taught me discipline, time management, responsibility, commitment, dedication, and much more. These are just some of the valuable lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Playing at the Division III level allowed me to spend more time on academics, while playing the sport that I truly love. What more could I ask for? 

My freshman year in college, I decided to take a year off from softball to focus on school as well as my family. After I transferred to Suffolk and joined the softball team, I had quickly realized what I missed out on. It is so much different being a student-athlete. My teammates quickly became my family. I started off that sophomore season as a pinch runner and then quickly became the designated player for the rest of the season. I will never forget the St. Joe’s Connecticut game where I hit the first pitch home run. It was so fulfilling to see that my hard work and determination paid off. I had worked very, very hard to be that DH. I would like to personally thank Coach, Coach Lauren, as well as Coach Jenn for that. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to help me with hitting. I was put in a position where I had never thought I would be, but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened and the start of my college career. I went out of my comfort zone and it came out to be very successful. My junior and senior year I worked my butt off again to become an important part of the outfield. I started in left field and was extremely proud of myself. 

My favorite memory was when my team decided to dedicate the Coaches vs. Cancer game against Emmanuel for my father. This was by far the best thing that anyone has ever done for me.. I am truly grateful to be a part of such a loving and supportive community and I do not know what I would do without them. Losing my dad my freshman year of college was the hardest thing that I ever had to endure. So these past three years have not been the easiest for me, but what made my experience better, was having a loving and supporting team behind my back through thick and thin. It has been a blessing for me to know that I have an amazing coaching staff and teammates who support me especially going through some rough patches. I will never forget that night for as long as I live. 

To my teammates, you guys are my rock. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you. You are all someone who I hold close to my heart. The saying “you will meet some of your best friends in college” is an understatement. I could not ask for a better group of friends. You have made my experience here at Suffolk so much better. The memories that we have made together will last a lifetime. All day, every day, I am always hanging out with at least two of you, if not more. There is no one that I would rather spend my time with than you. You guys have taught me what it means to be a part of a supportive and hardworking team. I am going to end this paragraph with three things: I will always be here for you, I am not going anywhere. I love each and every one of you. Keep working hard! 

Coach, you have had my back since day one. You know how far I have come from and have instilled the utmost confidence in me since then. Whenever I have something going on or just need to vent to you about something, I know that you will always be there for me. That truly means a lot and I appreciate that the most about you. You are someone whom I look up to. So thank you for being you, thank you for being honest with me and overall being there for me. I do not know if you know this, but you have helped me so much over the course of these three years. I owe you big time. You have helped make my college experience so much better. I am so thankful to have been coached by you. Thank you for believing in me even when I don't fully believe in myself. Thank you for helping me out when I am frustrated, it is nice to take a step back every once in a while. You are the most loving, caring and supportive coach that I have ever known. I appreciate you and all you do for this program. 

Coach Cara, Coach Janelle, and Coach Holly, I appreciate everything that you all have done for me. Coach with shaking out the craziness inside my brain before stepping into the batter’s box; Coach Janelle with tying my bow and stretching my arm; Coach Cara with giving me pep talks and always being there to talk to; and Coach Holly always willing to help me hit. I appreciate each and every one of you. I do not know what I would do without you. 

To the incoming freshman, you are going to be walking into the greatest part of your college experience; the opportunity to be on a collegiate team. The bar is set very high by the upperclassmen. You are about to become an active role on this team. Being a student- athlete in college is one of the most fulfilling things that you can do with your life. It teaches you time management and discipline. For me, school is extremely important. Adjusting to the schedule of a student-athlete can sometimes be overwhelming for some people. But know that you have your teammates and coaching staff behind you. The coaching staff is very understanding because they have been there and will help you through every inch of the way. They want you to be successful. Joining this team is the best decision that you will ever make. These girls will immediately become some of your closest friends and turn into family. 

# 7 Morgan Parmeter
Left Fielder
Class of 2017