The 2021 Rams Reflect is the sixth in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk.
For a complete listing of past and present Rams’ Reflections, click here.
Hailey Cockroft | Hometown: Windham, N.H. | Marketing
What a privilege it was to be able to play for Suffolk for four(ish) years. While my junior and senior year were untraditional due to Covid, I wouldn’t change my experience one bit. If there’s anything my Suffolk Softball experience has taught me, it’s that you need to seize every moment of every opportunity. Every practice, workout, and game taught me lessons about myself and my mental strength. I’ve always said that going to softball was the best part of my day because of the environment we’ve established as a team. How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard!
To my teammates:
My city girls! What an honor it was to be a captain of this team. I will cherish this insane senior year with you all forever. I think “adversity” should all be highlighted in bold on all our resumes. Thinking of the memories I have with you all on and off the field brings a smile to my face. Your hilarious personalities never failed to brighten my mood on my worst days, and I thank you for that. I couldn’t be any prouder of how this group worked together and supported each other. I will miss this team with every ounce of me, but you will always hold a special place in my heart.
To my coaches:
I can’t thank you enough for believing in me. My time here was not always easy and you all never stopped having confidence in me, even when I lacked it most.
Coach Davis, I will always appreciate everything you’ve done for this team. Every team dinner, team bonding date, and trip to Florida will always be included in my favorite college memories. Your selflessness and commitment to this program is the best any player could ever ask for.
Coach Taylor, I can’t thank you enough for the confidence you instilled in me when I needed it most. Since I was a freshman, you were always there for me as a mentor. You’ve always put in the extra time with me, on and off the field, to make sure I’m being the best version of myself.
Coach Jenn, Coach Lauren, and Coach Rylee, thank you for always cheering me on and supporting me even when we didn’t work closely with each other every day. Your team spirit made the environment so much fun to be a part of!
To my parents:
Thank you for forcing me into t-ball at four years old. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to repay you for the amount of time, money, and freedom you’ve lost over the past 18 years. It has been the best 18 years of my life, and I couldn’t imagine going through it without seeing you standing in the outfield. I know me hanging up my cleats is hitting you just as hard as it’s hitting me.
Mom, thank you for doing your obnoxious whistle whenever I make a routine play. Your enthusiasm has always made the game more fun.
Dad, thank you for teaching me everything I know about the game. Thank you for leaving work early for so many years to get to my games. You will always be my favorite coach.
To the next #10:
You only have four years, and let me tell you, they fly. I want you to cherish every 6 am workout, fitness test, late night Eastie practice, and long doubleheader day. Take it all in and give it everything you have. Play every single game like it’s your last, and I promise you won’t have any regrets. Most importantly, have so much fun! These girls are crazy, in the absolute best way. You won’t remember your stats or the tough team losses, but you will remember the bond with your teammates and the laughs you shared along the way.
Thank you, Suffolk, for giving me life long memories that I will cherish forever.
Love,
Hailey Cockroft #10