The Sophian

Issue date: 4/27/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: c/o Smith Athletics Skier Amy Constantine is a psychology major from Auburn, Maine.

Media Credit: c/o Smith Athletics Volleyball Co-Captain Lauren Perry was named an All-American honorable mention for the 2005 season.

In less than a month, the members of the class of 2006 will leave behind the lives they have created for themselves over the last four years. For senior athletes, this transition will be especially difficult. In addition to the normal stresses associated with graduation, athletes must bid farewell to coaches, teammates and days occupied by practices and competition. However, this group of senior athletes accomplished enough in their time at Smith to ensure that they will not be forgotten. To mention all of the accolades earned by these dedicated athletes would be tiresome, but a few team accomplishments deserve special mention. In 2003 and 2004, the crew team finished second in the nation at the NCAA Division III National Championship. Last season, the softball team won the NEWMAC regular season title. In 2005, the swimming and diving team finished 29 in the nation. Last but not least, the volleyball team enjoyed a successful season in 2005, as they captured the NEWMAC tournament title and earned a trip to NCAA regional competition.

What does it mean to be a varsity athlete at Smith? Senior athletes share their memories of Smith and plans for the future:

Lauren Perry - Volleyball
Favorite Smith Volleyball Memory
My favorite memory from Smith volleyball has to be winning NEWMACs. Although, watching "Anacondas" comes in a very close second...
Best Part About Being On The Volleyball Team
My teammates, they are some of my best friends.
What She'll Miss Most About Smith
My friends, weekend brunch and sadly enough, preseason.
Post-Graduation Plans
I am headed to law school....but don't ask me where!
Amy Constantine - Skiing
Favorite Smith Ski Team Memory
My favorite memories of being on the ski team were the fun pranks that have been completed while in season. For example, my first year I got stuck in a cot and my captains pushed me in front of my coach's door and quickly left after knocking. He came out and yelled at me. We laugh about it now though. Then there was my sophomore year when two of my friends on the team and I made bright green shamrock shorts and wore them to the Valentine's Day ski race. What a contradiction!
Best Part About Being On The Smith Ski Team
The best part about playing on a Smith team was the fact that I made some amazing connections with my teammates. The team is so small that we get to know each other very well. My best friends are on the team.
What She'll Miss Most About Smith
Leaving Smith, I will miss most the friends that I have and being able to see them almost every day. They are my support system, my motivation to go to the gym and my source of entertainment and creativity.
Plans For The Future
After graduation, I am working in Southborough, Mass. at the New England Center for Children. It is a place specializing in educating children with autism.


Catherine Peo - Soccer
Favorite Smith Soccer Memory
I've had so many incredible memories that I couldn't pick out a favorite one. I think the most memorable things about playing Smith Soccer are all the times when we really came together as a team. I'll always remember those games when we worked so hard, never gave up and through our dedication to each other and the sport, we were able to accomplish great things.
Best Part About Being On The Soccer Team
The best part of playing Smith Soccer for me was definitely being a member of this team. I couldn't have asked for better teammates or coaches, and it is because of them that I have had such an amazing experience playing these past four years.
What She'll Miss Most About Smith
Without a doubt the people I've gotten to know and love so much.
Plans For The Future
My plans still aren't finalized, but I'm hoping to get a job with a biotech company in Boston and eventually go to grad school. I'm also hoping to continue to play competitive soccer.


Jaime Taylor - Crew

Favorite Smith Crew Memory

This one time my boat went to a regatta in Plymouth. We got up even earlier than usual, and the rest of the team got up to cheer us away. But then the race was cancelled due to bad weather. Not willing to waste the day, we took a field trip to see Plymouth rock, and then went and jumped in the ocean, which was VERY cold. We had a picnic lunch, and when we got back to Northampton we went to Herrell's for some ice cream. Best day of my life.

Best Part About Being on the Crew Team

My favorite part of Smith crew is that you get 50 instant friends, which is important when you social life is truncated by the early wake up and bed times.

What She'll Miss Most About Smith

Gosh, I don't even know where to start... I guess it's not Smith specific, but I will miss the chance to make your days what you wish, and fill them with what interests you and what you want to be doing.

Plans For The Future

I'm moving up the road to Sunderland with some friends and looking for a job, because I haven't started doing that yet. I'll probably go to grad school in a year or two.

Amber Bourque-Laycsak - Softball

Favorite Smith Softball Memory

I'd have to say when we won ECACs my sophomore year and finished 34-6 for the season.

Best Part About Being on the Softball Team

I have made some really great friendships over the last four years.

What She'll Miss Most About Smith

Being able to see my friends everyday.

Plans for the Future

I plan on going back home to Chicago and entertaining Katie Maroney every weekend when she comes down from Michigan Tech.


Johanna Perez - Soccer

Favorite Smith Soccer Memory

Convocation! We are the only team that rolls deep and doesn't go with their houses, everyone sees us and knows what we are about!

Best Part About Being on the Soccer Team

The best parts about playing on a Smith team are the friendships that you make: you share an experience like nothing else with only a few other people and you can only share that experience with those people.

What She'll Miss Most About Smith

I will miss late dining with my team - it was such a tradition where we learned so much about soccer and each other. It was what you could look forward to if you had a rough practice, or where you could re-live the amazing plays that had just happened in a game.

Plans For The Future

I am taking my ass home after graduation!

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