Morristown, N.J. – The College of Saint Elizabeth is giving a spotlight to its spring sport seniors who have worked tirelessly both on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom throughout their time on campus. Due to the cancellation of our spring sports, we want to give these seniors a platform to share their stories. First up is softball's first baseman Elizabeth Unger from Montebello, Calif.
 
 
When you first heard the news of the postponements and eventual cancellations of the spring sports what was your initial reaction? Where were you? How have you been handling everything?
 
When I first heard the news I was hopeful that the season would eventually resume after things settled down. Once I found out the season was completely cancelled I was in shock. It didn't register that my final season of college softball was over. I was already back in California with my family and had a feeling the news was coming soon since things didn't seem to be getting better. I have come to terms with everything going on and am grateful for the years I did have to play softball. 
 
Prior to the season being interrupted, what was it like being with this year's group? What was the team's goals and expectations?
 
This year we had 8 freshman, 10 returners. We were going through some coaching changes so I was anxious to see us come together as a team. We traveled to South Carolina for a week during Spring Break and the results didn't go as well as we had hoped but the trip turned us into a family. Our freshman were anxious to learn and all our returners were there to help with whatever they needed.  I couldn't be more proud to be a part of such an amazing team. There was never a question about our goals for the season, it was to win the conference championship. We were not going to settle for anything less.
 
What are your thoughts on the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility for you?
 
I think it is great that the NCAA is granting an extra year of eligibility to students. Student-athletes work very hard all year to play and the fact that an entire season was taken from so many kids would not have been right. An extra year of eligibility gives them a chance to make up for the time we missed. 
 
What has been your favorite memory and favorite experience at CSE?
 
My favorite memory has to be my freshman year during softball season. We were in Florida for Spring Break and my mom had made the trip from California to watch me play my first college games. I have played softball my entire life, but playing college softball was a whole different level – something I had only dreamed of. I put a lot of pressure on myself and I knew I had to live up to my own expectations. I'm not sure if it was my first at bat but my first game in Florida, I hit a grand slam. It was a special moment with my new team but it also meant a lot because my mom was there to witness it. Once I got into the feel of things, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. One of my special moments at CSE was seeing my first snowfall. Coming from Los Angeles, we don't get any snow so I was excited for my first winter in Jersey and it lived up to my expectations. 
 
Do you have any advice for younger teammates or incoming recruits?
 
My advice for possible incoming recruits is don't be afraid of change. I took a leap of faith and stepped out of my comfort zone by coming to New Jersey and although it was very hard, it changed my life for the better. Leaving home helped me grow and become independent. I have met so many amazing people on this journey and learned countless lessons. To my younger teammates, I say to keep working and never give up. You can do anything you put your mind to. Through the ups and downs, stay level headed and always humble. Stay positive and motivated, be an example to those around you. 
 
What are your personal goals? What is next for you? Jobs, internships, interests moving forward?
 
My personal goals are finishing this school year and receiving my bachelors in psychology in May. My plan has always been to be a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counselor. After graduation, I will return to California where I plan to work for a year in my field and then start my masters in Substance Abuse Counseling.