Without a doubt, playing softball was the most meaningful part of my Princeton experience. My teammates were not simply fellow players, they were my classmates, roommates, best friends and above all, they were my family. The hardest thing to leave is the amazing feeling of togetherness that I experienced. I have never been a part of a team that worked so hard together and cared so much about each other. There was an energy on our team that was special. I could say a lot of great things about Coach Cohen, but it’s enough to say that the attitude of a team reflects the attitude of the coach.

The memories I have from playing softball at Princeton are engraved in my heart forever. We laughed, cried and accomplished more than I could have ever hoped for both on and off the field. The opportunity to receive an outstanding education while playing the game you love is indescribable. My experiences at Princeton will never leave me.

There are few things in life as intimidating as leaving home for the first time to attend a school like Princeton. Few things are better at easing the transition than being a member of a team. The softball team was my family away from home. We shared our hopes, our dreams, our fears and occasionally, our clothes. Although my entire experience at Princeton was wonderful, nothing will ever compare to the time I spent as a softball player.

Softball at Princeton provides me with some of my most vivid college memories. The coaches created a playing atmosphere that inspired a desire for excellence and pride in our accomplishments It is fulfilling to know that the success of the softball program was instrumental in gaining recognition and support for women’s athletics. I am very proud to have been a part of the growth of the Princeton softball program and to watch games today and see current Princeton softball players continuing and expanding the tradition of excellence.

Nowhere else in the country can a woman play on a softball team that perennially achieves a top regional ranking, defeats the top teams, has been to the College World Series and offers the finest education in the country. Only at Princeton can one face the highest possible competition on the field, in the classroom and in the world.

Being a member of the Princeton softball team was one of the most gratifying experiences of my Princeton years. I was there during the first year we played on 1895 Field. I was there when we went to our first postseason tournament. All of these milestones were wonderful to experience because I believe that those firsts brought perspective. Every encounter gave us a different perspective of our potential. I felt that deep sense of success within the program during my first game. It is a wonderful feeling to have been and still be a part of this tradition.

Princeton softball is about women who consistently play with great skill, great heart and great integrity. For those of us privileged to have been a part of this program, it represents the best of Princeton.

I am continually amazed how Princeton touches my life beyond just the education, whether it’s meeting alumni while biking in California or attending Reunions. The Princeton softball program is one of the best in the country, even without scholarships. Like most alumni, I have fond memories of Princeton—the people, the place. I miss those days immensely.