Photoessay #103 - Senior Day

Senior Day 2007 for University of Oregon softball. Traditionally, the fans and the program honor the outgoing seniors before the last home game of the season. The home team members first present flowers to the seniors on the opposing team (in this case Arizona State University). Then the seniors and their families step onto the field for a small ceremony.

Five players entered as freshman in 2003, all still with the program after 4 years. Kayleen and Amie both have another year of eligibility because of redshirt years so were not included. AnnMarie's family on the left includes her mom, sister and fiancee, she is holding her baby nephew. Kristi's with her family in the middle with her mom, dad, sister, aunt and grandparents. My daughter, Susanna on the right with my husband and myself. We're the smallest group! The presentations went from left to right by design ending with Susanna as the 4 year starter going last.

All three players enjoyed successful senior seasons. Though AnnMarie and Kristi had had limited playing time in previous seasons, both started consistently their senior year. AnnMarie set a record for home runs with her powerful bat and Kristi anchored first base. Susanna started almost every single game and played just about every inning during her four year career. The first two years in centerfield, the last two at second base. Often she batted leadoff and set records for runs scored and stolen bases. The coaches and team members often identified her as the 'heart and soul of the team' a high honor indeed.

Mostly this trio strongly exhibited senior leadership. As a group, they decided that they would set standards and a tone for the year. "We will play our kind of softball" they told their team, "we will set our own high standards". No blaming or complaining, we're getting to work and make this season count. AnnMarie provided the 'voice of reason', Kristi her steady presence and intelligence and Susanna the spark and inspiration. A very successful season 44-19 advancing to the Regional championship in South Carolina. By design, every season save for one team ends with a disappointing loss.

A sad but inevitable day on Howe Field. Every collegiate career ends after 4 seasons. Not surprising that the event whizzed by; I don't remember the presentation about my daughter's playing career. I do remember surveying the senior day crowd, the only time I had looked back at them from the field.