There will never be a time that I am not immensely grateful for the opportunity I had to play softball and earn my Bachelors degree at the illustrious North Carolina Central University. After leaving the University of Rhode Island’s softball program I was a broken person; I really had little intention of continuing my softball career and I was lost. Central took me in and gave me a home; during these last three years I was able to find myself through my studies and personal relationships. I met some of the kindest professors and most hardworking students at North Carolina Central. Every person’s story has helped shape the way I navigate the world. The friends and memories I have made will always be dear to me. The teammates that I have played with I will always adore; as we have a common bond, NCCU.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. As crazy as it sounds I will miss 6 am conditioning and weightlifting sessions. I will miss having my music playing walking to class through the greek bowl on sunny days. I will miss the energy of all the students during ten-forty breaks. I will miss class groupmes and laughing with professors. I’ll even miss walking up the Jesus steps with my legs trembling from soreness. Most of all I will and already do miss leading our cheers at softball games: “I love my, I love my, NCCUUUUU”.
North Carolina Central University has taught me resilience and the power of a “bounce-back” chapter in life. I hit the ground running at North Carolina Central and with the help of faculty I succeeded in ways I never thought possible. NCCU also showed me the strength that comes from a unified body of African Americans; every student and professor had their struggles, but still managed to uplift the person beside them to further our community. Truth and Service is Central’s motto and that was demonstrated through the countless required community service hours where students planted trees or picked up trash; Central is actively improving the community of Durham, and I am so honored to be an Alumna.
To Coach Vashion Johnson, who took a chance on “Big Ms. Creedmoor”, I appreciate the direction you gave my life.
To the entire Athletic Staff at North Carolina Central, I thank you for welcoming me to the program and cheering me on through every win and loss.
To the Political Science Department, I thank you for challenging me daily and forcing me to expand my world view.
To the teammates I’m leaving behind, practice and play for the letters on your chest every single day, even when you’re hurting, tired and want to give up. Trust me when I say after your last game taking that maroon and grey uniform off will not be an easy task. Keep furthering the program that I love so dearly, you all were apart of history this season; remember that and keep pressing on.
Lastly to my Dear Ole’ NCCU, I will miss you and always remember my days on campus fondly. This University has put me on track to take the world by storm and turn my wildest dreams into reality. I will always represent my Alma Mater with the utmost poise and grace; and there will never be a time when I don’t proudly declare that I earned my undergraduate degree at the Illustrious North Carolina Central University. One day I will be a decorated Alumna, and I hope to come home to my dear NCCU to inspire the next generation of Eagles.
With tears in my eyes I bid my beloved North Carolina Central University farewell
Olivia Coy Daniel #25
2019 NC Central Softball vs Norfolk State \ http://www.nccueaglepride.com – Photo by: Kevin L. Dorsey 
Olivia Coy Daniel 