This is Sideline Stories. A platform where NE10 student-athletes can share their collegiate experiences in an unfiltered environment - using their voices to promote growth and positive change in our league and in all of NCAA Division II athletics.

Ally Nicolosi, a senior catcher on the Le Moyne softball team, shares the importance of having dreams and how student-athletes can use those dreams to have a positive impact on the world around them - especially in difficult times. Here is her Sideline Story:

To all the people who have ever had a dream:

Never stop fighting for your dream to come true. There will be highs and lows throughout your journey, but pursuing your dreams and accomplishing them will compel meaning in your life and others around you.

On top of that, the person you have become despite facing adversity, overcoming barriers, and realizing your true potential, may be even greater than the dream you originally had.

Myself, like many other student-athletes, have dreamt about the moment of becoming a member of a collegiate sports team; to be able to play at one of the highest levels.

No matter what sport an athlete plays, we are all alike in more ways than one. It doesn’t matter if one athlete plays on a court and another athlete is in the pool. We all were once young enough to have a dream and a love for our desired sport.

At some point, each athlete made the decision to dedicate their time and effort to become one of the best at their sport, in hopes of achieving a roster spot on a collegiate team. For myself, that consisted of waking up at 5am to drive two hours for Sunday morning practice, having my mother throw batting practice outside in all sorts of weather conditions, and participating in countless tournaments and camps in hopes to get my name out there. Many other athletes can relate to this.

There are many sacrifices, sleepless nights, dedication, and passion that goes into fulfilling a dream. As my college career comes to an end, I am able to reflect on all of these factors, and many more.

I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to play softball at Le Moyne College. No words will ever be able to truly describe what the game means to me and the person I have become because of it. The bond that I have formed with teammates, overcoming adversity through two shoulder surgeries and three head coaches, the community service opportunities, and the memories that have occurred on and off the field will last a lifetime.

On top of that, the triumphant victories and heartbreaking defeats, and everything in between. At the end of the day, years from now, it is not going to be about the wins and losses, or the strikeouts and errors you had. Instead, athletes embrace the lasting relationships that were formed and the life values that were cultivated by playing sports.

Most people think of sports in terms of statistics and awards. Although those aspects are a part of the sports culture, my four years at Le Moyne have made me realize there is a much bigger picture. Every individual has a unique story about their journey through sports. As I am at the end of my journey, I am able to see the impact of this bigger picture

As student-athletes, we have the ability to make a change in our society. We have a platform to use to fight and stand with those who cannot fight for themselves, such as the inequalities that occur daily throughout society, those struggling with addiction or mental health, underprivileged boys and girls, and victims of COVID-19.

All of the adversity and hardships, along with dedication and resiliency, through growing up pursuing our dreams, have prepared us for this fight. There is always strength in numbers. We come together as student-athletes, with the organizations we serve, family and friends we have, and all those that we have influenced, to make this a healthier world to live in.

We want to make a healthier world for the younger boys and girls to have a fair chance to pursue their dreams and hopefully get to experience all of the things we were so lucky to have. I am proud to be a student-athlete in the NE10 to advocate for the bigger picture in our society, while having had the chance to play the game that I love.

I would be lying if I said I was not heartbroken over the loss of my final season. All of the “what ifs” and emotions attached to a season that “could have been.” But I choose to see the silver lining, for I believe there is always one in any situation.

In this particular season, I am appreciative of the work ethic, compassion, and tenacity that my teammates, coaching staff and training staff have portrayed. No one could have foreseen the occurring circumstances of COVID-19, but we are all equipped with the right skills to handle situations like these, along with having the support to guide us through.

Sports, specifically softball, has given me more meaning beyond what I thought my original dream was going to fulfill. I aspire to continue to advocate for social justice, for the personalized needs of individuals, and for the effective support of all men and women around us.

Nick Vujicic once said, “The greatest rewards come when you give of yourself. It's about bettering the lives of others, being part of something bigger than yourself, and making a positive difference.” I believe this saying ties in well to the overall message of this sideline story and sports in general.

As my dream of playing collegiate softball is coming to an end, I look forward to embracing my next dream. My younger self would be proud of where I am today, not only for achieving my childhood dream, but for the person I have become along the way. I hope many other student-athletes feel the same way.

I wish each and every one of you keeps having dreams, and hope, for a little bit of hope can go a long way. #UnitedAsOne

-Ally Nicolosi