KSC Honors Softball Seniors with Special Grad Ceremony

KEENE, N.H., 5/12/08 - Keene State softball players turned in their uniforms for caps and gowns Monday morning.

Unable to attend Sunday’s graduation due to their participation in the ECAC New England Division III softball tournament, the seven seniors on the team were honored with a special commencement ceremony at Spaulding Gymnasium.

Dressed in full regalia, President Dr. Helen Giles-Gee, Provost Mel Netzhammer, Interim Vice-President for Student Affairs Andrew Robinson, Head Coach and Assistant Professor Charlie Beach and Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Jeff LaValley all paid tribute to the softball seniors: Kaity Conklin (Selkirk, N.Y.), Colleen Ferguson (Sussex, N.J.), Julia May (Deep River, Conn.), Elizabeth Mroczka (Rocky Hill, Conn.), Ashlee Nicholson (Swanzey, N.H.), Melissa Scata (Medway, Mass.), and Jessica Starkey (Keene, N.H.).

“It was our honor to celebrate the graduating women’s softball student athletes in a special commencement ceremony earlier today,” said President Giles-Gee. “On behalf of Keene State College, I congratulate these athletes for their accomplishments and acknowledge the outstanding support of their families and friends in contributing to their success.”

All of the players were pleasantly surprised by the extent of the ceremony that took place in front of family, friends, and underclassmen members of the team.

“It was very nice of the College to do all of this just for us,” said Ferguson, the team’s shortstop. “They went above and beyond. I didn’t expect all these people to be here.”

“It shows that the College really appreciates its athletic programs,” said May, one of the Owls’ outfielders.

“We’ve been with each other for such a long time, so it’s nice we can have graduation together,” said Conklin, the team’s first baseman.

“It means the world to me and just puts closure to the best five years of my life,” said Starkey, a second baseman with the team. “Having all my teammates here made it the best thing ever.”

Coach Beach echoed his players’ sentiments. “It means everything to the players. “They are part of this community, academically and athletically,” he said. “If we’re successful, our schedule is always going to conflict with graduation. The fact that the President and the Provost and other member of the administration made this special occasion for the athletes is an exemplary gesture.”

Making a bid for the program’s third overall ECAC title and first in Division III, the Owls reached the championship game, where they lost to Brandeis 6-5.