Indiana University Athletics
Seniors Reflect On Their Time At IU
4/29/2016 10:20:00 AM | Softball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The original recruiting class to play their first games at Andy Mohr Field will play their last this weekend.
Six seniors—outfielders Shannon Cawley, Alyssa Rosati and Katelyn Conenna, utility player Michelle Huber and catchers Kelsey Dotson and Kassi Farmer—will be celebrated in this weekend's final home series against Ohio State.
All but Cawley—a fifth-year senior—have gone through their entire careers playing at Andy Mohr Field, which finished construction just before the 2013 season began.
"You never think it'll go this fast," Rosati said.
The projected weather forecast led to a schedule change that has the Hoosiers and the Buckeyes playing a doubleheader Friday beginning at 3 p.m. The seniors will be recognized between the first and second games for their contributions to the program.
"We're about to go our separate directions, but we're ready to make one last stand," Farmer said. "You know, it's our last year. We want to make it count. I've always said we want to leave the program better than we've found it, and I think all of us have played a part in that. Between the six of us, I think we've really been able to make an impact our four years here."
Though the results have sometimes been mixed, Indiana made a slow, steady climb since this year's graduating class arrived on campus. With each passing season, the Hoosiers' Big Ten win total has increased with the exception of this season—for now.
Indiana has six remaining games and needs one more conference win to get to seven on the year to match last year's mark. IU's 24 overall wins is already the best single-season mark the class has experienced.
"Every senior wants to end their last season on a high note and progress each year, and I really think we have," Conenna said. "Last year, we did some great things but didn't have all the components we really needed. This year, we've gotten all the components together but got into a bit of a slump halfway through.
"But I don't think that takes away that we've done great things this season and the four years."
Although the class has grown close off the field, Dotson said the personalities among the seniors couldn't be more different. They come from different parts of the world and like different things.
"It's pretty mixed," Dotson said. "Everyone sort of has their own thing and brings new things into here."
Conenna said Indiana is better off because of it.
"We're completely different people, but I think that's what makes us so great," she said.
Though the series will be bittersweet and there will be more emotional attachment than a usual series, Indiana isn't in a position where it can allow the outside attention impact its play.
The bottom half of the Big Ten standings from eighth place to last is separated by just four games. The Hoosiers currently sit 11th—only the top 12 make the conference tournament—and are looking to climb up the board to qualify for the postseason with the best possible seed.
"There's still games to play," Dotson said. "I just hope to have a good outing as a team, go out there and give it my all, leave it all out there."
Dotson's classmates echoed her sentiment, stressing the importance of playing well in their final games in Bloomington. Because time is ticking, and softball careers don't last forever.
"It's truly surreal," Conenna said. "I wouldn't want to graduate with any other girls."
