Today's edition of Senior Spotlight wraps up the softball team's senior classmen group as we chatted with Hannah Chew, Eryn McCoy, and Jaymee Campbell. 

Chew has been the Gaels' primary catcher since arriving on campus and was a bonafide leader on this year's team. The Santa Rosa, Calif. native had the highest praise for her teammates this year and the Gaels' softball family.

"This year has been the best year of my life. This team became more like my family than I ever could have imagined. Spending every day with the people who mean the most to you is a blessing. My coaches have taught me how to love the game again and my teammates have taught me how to be a good person and find happiness even in the most difficult moments."

The backstop had some of the most experience of anybody on the team with 149 appearances despite playing the most grueling position, including 25 of 26 games this year. She went on to describe the disappointment of having the season end so soon with a team full of potential. 

"My heart aches. I found a home at Saint Mary's, the program and with my teammates. Our program in my four years has faced so much and when we were finally finding our footing, it was swept away." 

Chew's teammate and other half of the battery, Eryn McCoy, also described the university as a second home when telling us why she chose to come to Saint Mary's. "I fell in love with the campus and close knit community. Saint Mary's has truly become my second home where I have made my lifelong friends. I couldn't have chosen a better place to further my athletic career and education." 

When the pitcher was asked about what she was most proud of while at Saint Mary's, she said this, "I would say joining this team as a walk on player my freshman year. I came to Saint Mary's extremely nervous and having no idea what to expect. I didn't even think I would get to see the field. But I was fortunate enough to earn a scholarship by my sophomore year." 

McCoy pitched 51.2 innings as a freshman and had an impressive 2.98 ERA to earn her scholarship. She was second on the team with a 3.98 ERA this season before it came to a halt. 

One of McCoy's favorite memories during her tenure was the team's trip to Hawaii last year to open the season. Jaymee Campbell shared the same memory as one of her favorites while in Moraga. 

"My favorite memory would be traveling to Hawaii my junior year for opening weekend. We played a lot of good games and got some free time to go to the beach and explore with teammates. Another favorite memory of mine is beating BYU my freshman year. It was the first time in SMC history that we had ever beaten them and it is definitely something I will remember forever."

While Campbell was a key contributor coming off the bench, she also valued her accomplishments off the field. "I am proud of making the Dean's List and receiving good grades every year. I am most proud of persevering through my four years because there have been so many reasons that I could have given up and I never did." 

Looking forward, all three seniors mentioned how they plan to carry on the spirit of softball in their futures. 

"I love the game and I will always love the game," said Chew. "I hope I can find myself still in sports, building other peoples' futures through the game. Giving young athletes the encouragement and devotion to let their four years be the best years of their lives like mine have been."

"Looking forward, I see myself completing my nursing degree and going on to work in an emergency room, or as a labor and delivery nurse," explained McCoy. "I know I will still be close with my teammates, especially my other seniors and roommates. Sports will always be a part of my life. Though my softball career cannot last forever, I know I will be in the stands watching the future Gaels!"

"In five years, I want to settle down in my career and start my family," Campbell said. "Although I won't be doing anything softball related in five years, I know that all of the experiences I've had as an athlete will play a part in where I am in life. Softball has taught me so many lessons and skills that will allow me to be successful and get where I want to be in life." 

Be sure to tune in on Tuesday for the next rendition of Senior Spotlight!