Each year, the Molloy Department of Athletics holds its Maroon and White Night, an evening dedicated to recognizing the athletic and academic accomplishments of its student-athletes and serves as a last get-together for all, especially the senior class, before graduation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is unable to take place this year. In its place, the Department of Athletics will be highlighting the Class of 2020 seniors in a "Senior Spotlight" series.

Each of the seniors were asked about their Molloy experience and what they look forward to in their professional careers. Their Q&A can be found below:

Molly VanDusen
What was your favorite memory during your time in maroon and white?
I have had so many amazing moments while playing for the Molloy women's lacrosse team. From countless laughs, to exciting games, making videos, and being together every day, I have cherished every moment with my team. My favorite memory that stands out to me was our last practice before we found out our season was canceled. No one knew that this was going to be our last time playing together for the season. It was a beautiful day, we were listening to music, and we had so much fun. We had a lot of laughs and all played so hard since we were supposed to have a game the next day. When we found out the season ended, it was a great last memory to think of.

Who was your favorite professor and what was your favorite class?
Molloy has some great professors, and it is hard to pick just one that is my favorite. One of my favorite professors is Dr. Stone from the nursing department. She was one of my first nursing professors as a freshman, and I also had her again as a junior. She is hilarious and an amazing professor. She cares a lot about her student success and has taught me so much.

Who are the people you feel had the most impact on you in your time at Molloy and why?
So many people have affected my time at Molloy. My family, friends, teammates, professors, and coaches have all impacted me in so many ways. I feel that my coaches and teammates have impacted me the most. Spending almost every day with my team allowed me to make lifelong friends. My coaches and teammates became my family and we always have the best times together. Everyone looks out for one another and wants everyone to do their best. I have received so much encouragement and support from everyone whether it be about lacrosse, nursing, or anything else I am doing. They all push me to be my best and try my hardest.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
If I could give myself advice as a freshman, it would be to play every day like it is your last. It could not be truer after what we have all experienced this season. I have always tried to play with that mentality in my head, but I never thought it would truly happen. I would tell myself to enjoy every part of the student-athlete experience because it is over before you know it. Create memories and make the most of your time at Molloy.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to study for my NCLEX. I hope to be able to take the test in the middle of the summer and get a job in a hospital shortly afterwards. I also coach Recon, a lacrosse travel team, alongside coach Campi. I am looking forward to getting back to coaching this summer and being able to still have lacrosse in my life.
 
"If you put just a picture of what a Molloy Lion athlete should be it would be Molly. She loved Molloy from academics to athletics," head coach Tom Campolettano said.
 
Amanda Reyes
What was your favorite memory during your time in maroon and white?
My favorite memory would have to be beating Roberts Wesleyan twice in a row.  We went up to Roberts, and it was an intense game.  Their players and fans have always been very intense, but we put an end by beating them at their home field.  When they then came to our field, we were beyond ready to send them back home.  Once we beat them, it secured our spot in the playoffs.

Who was your favorite professor and what was your favorite class?
My favorite professor was Dr. Schiering for Children's Literature.

Who are the people you feel had the most impact on you in your time at Molloy and why?
I felt that my teammates had the most impact on me at Molloy.  Throughout the years, I've had different teammates with many different experiences.  I'm glad to have met all of them and call them my best friends.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
Don't take anything for granted; time is going to fly by before you know it.

What are your plans after graduation?
Fortunately, I am in the five-year education program here at Molloy, so I do have one more year where I will play field hockey and lacrosse.  After that, I hope to have a full-time teaching job!
 
"Amanda is an athlete and a leader off and on the field," head coach Tom Campolettano said.
 
Shannon Atwell
What was your favorite memory during your time in maroon and white?
I have so many great memories from playing Molloy lacrosse, it is so hard to pick one favorite memory. My favorite memory wearing my uniform was my freshman year when we played AIC, it was raining and I don't know why but it was the most fun I have ever had playing lacrosse. We worked together as a team and won the game. Everything about that game was so much fun.

Who was your favorite professor and what was your favorite class?
My favorite Professor was Professor Wisnewski, I am someone who struggles with school work, and she always believed in me and gave me the confidence to believe in myself. My favorite class was my literacy class.

Who are the people you feel had the most impact on you in your time at Molloy and why?
The people I feel that had the most impact on me would definitely be my teammates. Teammates are like family and they are always by your side during the good and the bad. No matter what my teammates have always had my back and I am forever grateful for every single one of them. Another person who has had an impact on me is coach Trish, no matter what I am going through she is always there for me, even if she is busy, she would clear her schedule just to give me a pep talk. Trish is not only an amazing coach but an amazing role model.

What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to become an elementary school teacher specializing in special education.
 
"You won't find any of the letters in spirit in Molloy, but you would find the spirit of Molloy inside of Shannon," head coach Tom Campolettano said.
 
Nora Miller
What was your favorite memory during your time in maroon and white?
My favorite memory is when I scored the first goal of our season against Florida Tech my sophomore year. We had traveled to Florida for our season-opener, and I remember being so hyped up from scoring that I sprinted across the field to my teammate Casie to celebrate.

Who was your favorite professor and what was your favorite class?
My favorite professor was Dr. Massey. My favorite class was Children's Literature, where we learned how to make educational children's games and activities and later got to donate them to students in an elementary school.

Who are the people you feel had the most impact on you in your time at Molloy and why?
The people who have impacted me the most during my time at Molloy are my teammates. My teammates are my best friends, and I have created countless memories with them on and off the field over the past four years. My experience at Molloy would not have been the same without any of them.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
I would tell my freshman self to be confident in yourself and not sweat the little things. Instead of getting down on yourself for making a mistake, work as hard as you can to make it up in the next play.

What are your plans after graduation?
Since I am in the five-year education program at Molloy, I am planning on playing lacrosse and graduating with my Master's degree next year. After graduation, I plan on getting a job as an elementary school teacher.
 
"Nora embodied the true meaning of student-athlete," head coach Tom Campolettano said.