(The goal of our Senior Send-Off articles is to highlight teams and student-athletes who did not get to finish their season of competition and/or have their respective Senior Day games/events happen. We also hope that these stories, which will feature some non-student-athletes, serve as a positive light to anyone who reads them during these trying times.)

BEVERLY, Mass. – The Endicott softball team was poised for a big season before the NCAA's decision to cancel all remaining winter and spring championships due to COVID-19 occurred. 

The Gulls, who were ranked No. 1 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) preseason coaches poll, were led by four seniors Peyton Atkins (Goshen, N.Y.), Michaela Hamill (Lynn, Mass.), Hannah Llewellyn (Danvers, Mass.), and Rylie Strong (Arvada Colo.). These four seniors were a part of one conference championship and have made an indelible impact on the program athletically and academically.

Here's what Endicott softball head coach Katie Bettencourt had to say about the entire senior class as a group and as individuals.

2020 Senior Class

"I cannot say thank you enough to these four seniors for all their time and effort over the last four years. They are some of the most intelligent, thoughtful, and hardworking group of young ladies that I have ever had the privilege to coach. Their leadership on and off the field will be missed tremendously. I am forever grateful for this group of seniors and will remember them for the rest of my life."

Peyton Atkins

"Peyton is one of the smartest student-athletes I have ever coached. Peyton's softball IQ is extremely high and in return, she has made me a better coach. Over the last three years, I have been able to watch her grow into a great leader and role model. Her teammates and peers look up to her and will miss her. I am so beyond proud and excited for her to continue her education next year at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the No. 2 veterinary school in the country!"  

Michaela Hamill

"I always refer to Michaela as 'steady Eddy.' She has been so consistent with the way she prepares and the way she performs. She understands her strengths as a pitcher and loves to compete. I admire how honest Michaela is with the coaching staff and her teammates. That is one of the many qualities that myself and her team will miss. Michaela will continue her education at Endicott next year as she plans on getting her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis."

Hannah Llewellyn

"Hannah is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She is so selfless and always puts others before herself. Defensively, she is the best third basemen I have ever coached, only committing one error all season last year in 40 games. I always tell Hannah the way she plays defense is so inspiring. Hannah plans to attend PA school in the future and will be working next year at one of the local hospitals to obtain her required hours."

Rylie Strong 

"You could never tell if Rylie was having a bad day as she always had a smile on her face. She is a good teammate and is always positive. What I admire most about Rylie is she always gave you her best effort every day. A culmination of all her hard work was leading Rylie to a break out senior season on the mound. Lastly, I know Rylie will succeed as a nurse because of all the positive qualities she possesses." 

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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)