Kelly Keane | Hometown: Hamilton, N.J. | Advertising

To the next #21: 

You don’t know me, but I came into Suffolk eager and confident I could make a statement in this program, but what I did not know is the impact this program would make on me. My years as a Ram have been anything, but ordinary. From being a freshman starter, to getting sick, to being a staple in the lineup sophomore year, to a junior season cancelled for COVID, and finally an injury that withheld me from the senior year I had hoped for. Nothing in my four years could have been predicted, but I think that’s the beauty of this team, and this sport. You can’t predict when a ball is getting hit to you, or an umpire’s strike zone, likewise, our program is prided on not being able to predict the adversity that we face year in and year out. I can promise you whole-heartedly, however, that you will always be able to predict and know that your teammates and coaches will be there day in and day out to pick you up off of the ground when the stress of being a college-athlete becomes relentless. 

Out of the 17 years that I had the privilege to call myself a softball player, this season has been one of the hardest. But from the hardship, I was given the opportunity to relearn what it means to fall in love with a sport. Here are some of the lessons I learned:           

Never take the small things for granted. 6 a.m. lifts, late night practices, and body aches may all feel like a burden in the moment, but what I wish I knew, was that I was growing not only as an athlete, but as an individual. I was not always able to see that those early mornings or late nights in the locker room were the times I made the purest bonds with my teammates, and where taught myself to become a stronger athlete. 

Take a step back. I would be lying to you if I said there weren’t times in my four years that quitting seemed like the only option, and to that I am going to tell you, don’t do it. The memories, the love, and the happiness that I would have missed out on if I had made that decision is heartbreaking to think about. No one ever said that this experience would be easy, and most of the time it is not, but if it were easy, well that would take away most of the fun. 

Be thankful. Be thankful that you get to put softball pants on, even when it’s the last thing you want to do. Be thankful that you get to put your jersey on when it’s finally game day. Be thankful to lace those cleats up six days of the week, because four years feels like a blink of an eye when you’re looking back, and you’ll be happy you knew to take it all in while in the rush of it.

To my teammates, be good to the next girl who wears my jersey, I hope you think of me every time you look at her. I hope you think of our memories, our laughs, our tears, and I hope you get to have those same moments with her. 

To my coaches, I hope you instill the same passion and support in her that you help build in me. And I hope that she gives you her all day in and day out just like I once did, I hope she knows that the girl who wore her that number before her was crazy, fun, and often loved the game more than herself. 

Before I officially sign off and surrender my number to whoever is next in line, I need to say thank you to the people who made me the person and player I am today. 

Mom, Dad, and Alyssa: Without you I would have never been given the opportunity to fall in love with this sport. Alyssa, thank you for always pushing me, teaching me, and always being there when this sport put me down, you have always been my role model, and I loved playing with you as we grew up. Mom and Dad, there are not enough words to express how much thanks I owe you; you gave up your life and your weekends for 17 years, and it has been the most amazing experience to play with the two of you as my support system. 

To my teammates & coaches: I love all 18 of you weirdos, you are my best friends, you are my people, and you will always be my favorite Suffolk team. 

To the 10 returners, I hope you guys can take a piece of me, Ashley, Hailey, and CeCe with you as you go on to finish your careers. The memories and love you have given us through this last season will be with me forever, and I am blessed to have gotten the chance to play next to you. 

Coach, you believed in me from the minute I walked on to campus, and I will always be grateful for how our relationship has grown since.

Coach Taylor, being in your first coaching class has been a privilege, and you have taught me more than you can even imagine, thanks for growing up with us.

Coach Jenn, Coach Lauren, and Coach Rylee, while I did not get the opportunity to play under you for long, I believe you were there for me when I needed you most. This year was not easy for me, but having the three of you as a support system was exactly what I needed to get through my injury and get back on that field, thank you keeping my drive and fire for the game lit the past six months. 

So, with that it is time for me to say goodbye. 

With love always,

Kelly Keane, #21