Coast to Coast

Student-athletes on the Boston College softball team are from many different places around the country. From New Jersey to Texas to Florida, the 17 Eagles bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to The Heights. Five student-athletes in particular come to Boston College from the west coast. Though far from where they grew up, these Eagles have found a home at BC.

Freshman CC Cook (Phoenix, Ariz.), sophomore Brenna Griesser (Tucson, Ariz.), freshman Emme Martinez (Hemet, Calif.), freshman Cami Sellers (Los Alamitos, Calif.) and senior captain Chloe Sharabba (Aliso Viejo, Calif.) have each brought a unique perspective and excitement to Boston College.

WHY MAROON AND GOLD

As freshmen, the decision to attend school on the east coast remains fresh for Martinez and Cook. Both wanted to be at a college that would challenge them academically and athletically.

"I wanted to attend a school that provided a rigorous athletic and academic experience," Cook said. "As BC competes in the ACC and is also a top tier university, it was the perfect fit."

Martinez echoed the same thoughts. "I chose BC because not only do I get to play in one of the top conferences in sports but I also get to receive a high level of education."

The Hemet, California native also wanted the chance to experience a new place. 'I wanted to leave California because that's all I've ever experienced in my life and I wanted to explore a different place," Martinez explained. "What I'm most excited about is experiencing all of the seasons here in Massachusetts."

Sharabba, who is in the beginning of her fourth year at BC, is grateful that her college decision has given her the opportunity to live somewhere very different from where she grew up. "I wanted to leave the West Coast and get out of the Orange County bubble I've grown up living in," Sharabba said. "Going to school at BC has definitely given me that new experience: the changing seasons, the snow in the winter, the pride for Boston sports teams, city life, and East Coast people. It's been awesome and I'm glad I've had the opportunity to go to school in a different environment than what I'm used to."

Sellers is looking forward to having the opportunity to explore the east coast with new friends and teammates by her side. "I am extremely happy with my decision to leave because I get to experience new things, and explore new places with new and amazing people," Sellers said.

MAKING BC HOME

Moving far from home has challenged these student-athletes to be independent with the comfort of knowing that they have a team of players and coaches who always have their back.

Griesser understands that the transition to college is hard, especially when attending a school far from home, but she is learning more about herself every day. "I have had to grow up really quick here at BC," Griesser said. "A lot of people try to tell you what college will be like but no one really knows how it will treat them until they experience it for themselves."

"But honestly, I love it," Griesser continued. "I can feel myself becoming better with time management and becoming a more productive member of society. Being part of the softball team is a big part of who I am becoming. I have a better work ethic, the will to succeed and am taking the steps toward becoming an effective leader. All of these things I am learning at BC will only shape me into a better version of myself and prepare me for the future."

Sharabba similarly feels lucky to be a part of something bigger than herself at Boston College. "When I visited the campus I thought it was beautiful and loved its location in relation to the city of Boston," Sharabba explained. "I also really liked [head coach] Ashley Obrest and her vision for the softball program and felt I could have a big role and make an impact on the team right away."

Even as a freshman, Martinez already feels as though she has a family at The Heights. "Coming here, I've gotten to meet so many people and explore different places on campus," Martinez said. "My favorite experience here has definitely been the first week of school because everyone here is so welcoming and made me feel like I was home."

For these reasons, these five student-athletes from the west coast do not feel as far from home as geography would suggest. Immersed in the culture of BC athletics and academics, these Eagles have certainly found a home away from home.

Boston College Athletics

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