With the 2007 season nearing a close for the Virginia softball team, it is that time of year when seniors reflect on their four years as a varsity athlete at the University.
Despite going through some trying seasons, seniors on the softball team expressed nothing but good memories of time well-spent while playing for the Cavaliers.
"I had a fantastic time playing at the University of Virginia," senior catcher Michelle Salmiery said. "I played with a phenomenal group of girls. It's so sad to have to leave. I'm glad I got to be part of a growing program that's only going to get better."
The seniors made new friends and took trips they would not otherwise have taken by playing softball at Virginia.
"I've had a great four years," senior second baseman Elea Crockett said. "I've enjoyed every moment of it playing with everyone. All the trips we've taken, the friends I've made will last forever. I have mostly great thoughts about it."
Both athletes commented on the many life lessons they learned as members of a Division I sports team -- an experience they were only able to gain through athletics.
"You definitely learn on a Division I team time management, organization and how to work with different personalities," Salmiery said. "There is no real next level for us. We have a professional league but it's nothing like the NBA or the NFL. This is pretty much when you're at the top of your game."
Crockett said she would not have traded her experience as a Virginia athlete for anything.
"I think I have definitely learned a lot," Crockett said. "What I've taken away from being a Division I athlete is some of the typical college experience everyone has. I can't imagine going through college and not playing a sport, though. It's a really special thing to have done and to learn how to deal with [organizing] time and having to deal with all the things we have to as student athletes. I'm really grateful for the experience."
Salmiery had a particularly interesting season. She started the season as the starting catcher before fellow senior Amy McKean took the spot. When McKean went down for the season with a knee injury, Salmiery was ready to step back into her position behind the plate. Under the circumstances, Salmiery had mixed emotions about being the starting catcher again.
"No one wants Amy to get hurt, especially when they're in your class," Salmiery said. "It was very sad to see that happen. I'm glad I could play here. It felt good to come back and try to play for the team though and to help us accomplish our goals."
The 2007 senior class for the Cavaliers includes Salmiery, Crockett, McKean, pitcher Coty Tolar, utility player Brooke Sorber and outfielder Meghan O'Leary. Each will get her final chances to make her stamp on Virginia softball as the season winds down in its final weeks.
The Cavaliers take on George Mason Wednesday in a doubleheader starting at 2:30 p.m. at The Park. Their final weekend series begins Friday. Virginia takes on Georgia Tech twice Friday starting at 3 p.m. and once Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Park. The ACC Tournament begins May 10 in Tallahassee, Fla.
The members of the senior class certainly experienced a couple of tough seasons in their careers when the Cavaliers went through a couple of rebuilding years. The rest of the team, however, hopes to send the seniors out on a high note.
"It's obviously been a tough four years record-wise," Virginia coach Karen Johns said. "They've [the seniors] kept their head up I think. Hopefully we can pull it together for them over the next couple of weeks and send them out with an ACC championship."
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