Senior Spotlight: Katelyn Sylvia

Chicopee, MA – As we all know, spring sports had their seasons canceled due to the pandemic. This affects so many people in so many different ways; however, it doesn't get much worse than not being able to play in your senior season and complete your athletic career. In an effort to celebrate these seniors, we will feature a Senior Spotlight Series. First up is Katelyn Sylvia (Southwick, MA).

Sylvia a secondary education major, and has been a standout on the softball team from day one, as you can see from her career stats:

2017 - All-NECC 3rd team

2019 - All-NECC 2nd team

Batting average .321

RBI - 59

HITS - 113

Games Played 104

It is evident, however, that Sylvia's time as a Blazer is much more than softball stats.

When asked about her time at Elms, Sylvia reflected:

"The past few years of being a student-athlete at Elms has been anything but ordinary. These years have some of the most precious memories that I will hold onto forever. I have grown to be a person I am proud of. Not only was I fortunate enough to study my career at Elms, but I was given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to become a student-athlete."

"These past four years at Elms have meant the world to me. I was able to play softball at the collegiate level, all while working towards my future career. The journey had many highs and lows; however, the high moments will always outweigh the low. I want to be clear: winning the game was not always the high. Winning is great, and that is why we play. As athletes, we have this natural competitive nature that drives us to win. However, despite what they say, winning is not everything. There are many games I remember that would make you hold your breath in anticipation. However, the memories that warm my heart are those moments off the field: crazy bus rides, late night team bonding, Florida trips, getting together with all the families, fundraising, running clinics, hosting overnights, and making forever friends. Not to mention, my coaches are some of the most remarkable people I have ever met. Each of them has made a positive impact on me, and I will forever look to them as my role models."

"When I heard my senior season was not going to happen, I was devastated. As an athlete, senior year is bittersweet, and you prepare yourself for all your 'lasts.' I was not prepared for the last time I was going to step on the field. I was not ready to say goodbye to my teammates and coaches so early into the season. I was not ready for any of this to happen. My heart shattered into a million pieces; however, I am blessed to have as many memories as I do from these past years. The memories are what is getting me through."

"I will never forget my time at Elms as a student-athlete. The opportunity to play softball at the collegiate level was a chance I could never pass up. I am thankful everyday I made the decision to play. I am going to miss the game day jitters, the feeling I got when I heard my walk-up song while stepping into the batter's box, cheering on my teammates, and creating those memories I will never forget. These past few years have meant everything to me, and I am sad to see them go. However, Elms College Softball will always hold a special place in my heart."

Coach Cheryl Condon added:

"It is said that one should leave something better than when they found it, and I know that Katelyn Sylvia did just that as a Senior Blazer softball student athlete. I recruited Katelyn from nearby Southwick, Massachusetts where she played third base for the Rams.  I knew that I did not need Katelyn to play third for our Blazers, but I needed her to learn to play the opposite corner at firstbase.

When recruiting first base players, you look for that player to have good footwork, great tracking skills to dig balls out of the dirt, quick reads on bunted balls and can also add to your offense. Also, when a team can get that first out on defense they have a 70% more of a chance to have success, and many of those outs happen at first base.

There is not one word to describe Katelyn's talent, work ethic, leadership, commitment, and passion for the game of softball, however, if there was it would be the word 'intentional.' Katelyn started as a first year at first base and never missed a game or an inning in her three years, a testament to her work ethic in preparing herself every season, her tireless work at every practice, and her constantly pushing herself to be better than the day before. Everything Katelyn does is intentional: she has a reason, a purpose, a goal, a challenge and a commitment to be the best player.   Katelyn is self- motivated as she is always at the gym, working on her hitting both on and off season and making herself a better player to make her team better.

Coaching Captain Katelyn Sylvia has been my privilege and I know our Blazer softball program is in a great place in the seasons to come because of all that she gave to our program."

"Thank you Katelyn for who you are and especially, your Blazer Pride!"