As we move through graduation week, seniors Lindsay Hutchinson, Christina Fluman, Hannah Groth and Lauren Kovalchuk look back at their time at Stony Brook and forward to the next step after the 2017 Spring graduation.
Q: What is your first Stony Brook soccer memory?
LH: My first Stony Brook soccer memory is making it to the America East Championship game my freshman year.
CF: My first Stony Brook Soccer memory is the first day of preseason when everyone had to run the first fitness test. Nobody passed and so we ended up running seven fitness tests that preseason.
HG: My first Stony Brook soccer experience was signing my letter of intent during my senior year of high school. I was beyond excited to continue my passion of playing soccer at the DI level, while attending a great institution. Coming to the first day of preseason sure was nerve wracking but I remember how welcoming all my new teammates were, which made me excited about what the future would hold for me during my time at Stony Brook, both as an athlete and as a student.
LK: I believe the first memory of Stony Brook soccer was move-in day of preseason freshman year. That was when it became real for me. I was finally on my own, about to start a new chapter in my life.
Q: What is your favorite memory/experience at Stony Brook?
LH: My favorite memory at Stony Brook is breaking the program record for single-season consecutive wins in 2016.
CF: My favorite experience at Stony Brook is participating in the Roth Regatta and having to fully submerge myself in the Roth pond. That was definitely a new experience!
HG: While there have been so many great memories from Stony Brook, especially through soccer with my teammates, I think one of the greatest experiences in my college career was being able to study abroad in Russia for a month during the summer. I came to college with intentions of taking part in a study abroad experience, however, did not think it was possible being an athlete with a year-round training schedule. I was very grateful to be able to go to St. Petersburg, Russia last summer, where I studied linguistics and had an internship in the city that allowed me to meet many local citizens. I encourage anyone to take part in a study abroad experience not only because you get to travel and meet so many wonderful people, but you also learn a lot about yourself in a different environment.
LK: The memories I've made at Stony Brook are endless. I think the things I will remember the most are just being surrounded by my friends... goofing around in the locker room, hanging outside of soccer, or being on long bus trips. One thing my team did right was we always tried to make the most of every moment we had together.
Q: How has Stony Brook impacted you?
LH: Stony Brook has provided me with a second place to call home and has also helped me grow as a student, athlete, and young adult about to enter the working world. I have met some of my closest friends at Stony Brook and will always cherish the memories that were made both on and off the field.
CF: Stony Brook has helped me discover the type of person I want to be and what it is I would like to do for the rest of my life.
HG: I have always been a firm believer in the quote "great things come from outside your comfort zone" and Stony Brook has done nothing but continue to confirm those thoughts. I came to school from across the country, and while that brought many challenges, I would not trade these past four years for anything. Stony Brook has given me endless opportunities throughout the years that have allowed me to grow as an individual and learn a lot about myself.
LK: I think my experiences at Stony Brook have impacted me a lot and have prepared me for my future endeavors. It's been a roller coaster ride for four years but I have learned so much from being far from home, meeting new people, experiencing different coaches, seeing people come and go and so much more that I think moving forward I'm ready for what's next in life.
Q: Describe your final season...
LH: My final season was particularly special because it was one the best seasons we've had in a while, led by a strong senior class.
CF: Unfortunately I didn't get to play my final season, I tore my ACL and broke my knee cap.
HG: My final season at Stony Brook is one that I will hold dearly for rest of my life. The chemistry among the team and the coaching staff was one of the best that I have ever been apart of, which will make leaving Stony Brook very bittersweet.
LK: Describing the final season is hard, because it's the one I never wanted to end. Saying goodbye to the past four years is very bitter sweet, but I'm thankful for the friendships I have created and the experiences that Stony Brook has given me.
Q: What will you miss most about Stony Brook?
LH: I will miss the people that make Stony Brook so special!
CF: I'm going to miss my teammates, my new coaches because they're awesome, and all the clubs and organizations I became a part of. Stony Brook is one of a kind and I'm proud to say that I was a part of it.
HG: Both on and off the field, the one thing I will miss the most about Stony Brook are all the wonderful people I have met, whether it was my teammates or my peers and professors in my department. While coming to school across the country and not knowing anyone was challenging, it allowed me to form friendships with some many people from all around the world.
LK: My teammates. They were my rock and my home away from home for four years.
Q: How has you experience as a member of the women's soccer team and as a student at Stony Brook prepared you for your future?
LH: There are so many essential skills that you develop from being a student-athlete, ranging from time management skills to collaborative skills. Thanks to my experiences both in the class room and on the field, I feel prepared to take the next step in my future.
CF: The challenges and setbacks I have experienced on and off the field have more than prepared me for my life ahead of me. Brendan has helped mold me into a more responsible and respectful adult, and Sarah and Sade have taught me to love every moment with my teammates because it won't last forever. I've learned more in my senior season than I have my entire time here at Stony Brook, and I credit most of that to the coaching staff.
HG: Being a part of the women's soccer team quickly taught me the importance of time-management, especially during season when we would be balancing classes with soccer and travel. Our coaching staff also played an important role in not only helping us develop as players, but also as young adults through the game of soccer, where we took on different responsibilities that reflected both on and off the field.
LK: Stony Brook has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and I couldn't be more thankful. How much I have grown and learned since my freshman year is baffling. I look back at the 18 year old that thought she knew so much and laugh ... and I know in another four years I'll be laughing at my 22 year old version of myself.
Q: What made you decide on your major?
LH: I am a Health Sciences major. I chose this major because its curriculum is designed for students who are looking to work as a healthcare professional after graduation.
CF: I am an environmental design, policy, and planning major. I chose it because I wanted a major where I could make a difference in the world and work towards a better environment for future generations.
HG: I will graduate Stony Brook as a linguistics major. I came to college with plans to become a teacher since I enjoy being around people and helping others, however, when I took the introduction to linguistics course my sophomore year, I knew right away that this was something that I was passionate about and could see myself studying. It allows me to work with different ages of people in different settings which I liked.
LK: My major is business with a specialization in marketing. I decided on this major because it just was the best fit for me, I have the right personality for the business world and believe I can succeed there.
Q: What is your plan for the future?
LH: I will be starting nursing school in September 2017 at Drexel University via their Accelerated Career Entry Nursing Program.
CF: I will be attending Syracuse University in the Fall to pursue a Master's in Architecture. This summer I will be interning for Rebecca Rasmussen Architects in NYC.
HG: After graduation, I plan on taking a gap year before starting graduate school where I plan on getting a mater's in Speech-Language Pathology. During my gap year, I plan on traveling during the summer months before taking extra courses that will help me prepare more for graduate school.
LK: The next step to get a job, I have a few interviews lined up after graduation, but I'm not in a big rush. I would like to take a little time off and enjoy being free for just a little while longer.
