Bucknell University Athletics
Sullivan Relishes in Team Relationships
11/10/2010 7:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 10, 2010
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell softball student-athletes will be checking in throughout the season as the team begins its drive for another Patriot League Championship. Here is the first 2010-11 installment of the student-athletes' journals from senior catcher, interdisciplinary studies major and team comedian, Kara Sullivan.
“'Ray Bucknell, right?!” is only one of many chants thrown around by my teammates and me during practices, in between innings and in passing on the academic quad.
“Right!” we all reply.
This fall, the orientation staff asked that I inspire that spirit in the incoming first-years during a pep rally, “'Ray for the Orange and the Blue.” I jumped at the opportunity to show these students how unique and special this place truly is. This task was no challenge; my teammates remind me of this every day.
Our season begins when our incoming freshmen open the first team e-mail of the summer. The e-mails are filled mostly with humor, a flare of our personality and an embarrassing story or two. And while those exchanges didn't improve anyone's swing or give anyone an extra step on the bases, they did set the foundation for the relationships that our team is comprised of. It is those meaningful relationships that our team thrives on. The integrity and perseverance that is so characteristic of us is rooted in our matchless support system.
As I reflect on these past years, I can truly appreciate the importance of every role on this team. We are not that strong, resilient team without the unique personality of every individual or the relationships that make us, so us. Our investment in each other serves as a driving force throughout our season and in our lives. I have never questioned my teammates' investment in me, their confidence in me… or their opinion of my humor.
So, I stood in Sojka Pavilion the night of 'Ray for the Orange and Blue, scanning the stands flooded with those Bucknell colors. I put aside my feelings of nostalgia and wished these students the fulfilling and rewarding experience that I've had thus far at Bucknell – an experience that has been shaped by Bucknell Softball.
