Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicholls State University Athletics, in conjunction with the Southland Conference, announced on March 14 all remaining competitions and championships for the 2020 season would be canceled.
Women's tennis, men's tennis, baseball, softball, outdoor track, and beach volleyball all had their seasons cut short and with that, several seniors did not have the opportunity to finish their athletic careers as Colonels.
Nicholls will honor the seniors who have decided to end their athletic tenures for the Red and Gray.
Samantha Dares
Sport: Softball
Hometown: Metairie, Louisiana
Major: Allied Health Pre-Professional
Graduation Date: May 2020
Dares came to Nicholls in 2016 after graduating from Mount Carmel Academy. She had 102 starts in her four years at Nicholls and played in a total of 131 games. Dares hit .291 for her career with 10 home runs, 12 doubles, and 62 RBIs.
After playing in 15 games as a freshman, Dares had a breakout year in 2018 where she hit .328 with 10 doubles, two home runs, and 24 RBIs. She helped the Colonels to a regular season championship and put her name in the record book by tying the school's single-game record with three doubles in a win over Lamar.
Dares was named All-Southland Third Team as a junior after hitting .325 with four home runs and 29 RBIs. She also added two doubles and two triples, matching her 38 hits from the year prior.
In her shortened senior season, Dares posted a .220 average with eight RBIs and four home runs. In the Colonels' only conference series, she had two two-hit games and homered against HBU.
Q&A
What are your plans after graduation?
Radiologic Technology school at Delgado Community College
How did you initially feel when your season was canceled, and how do you feel about it now?
Initially, I was in shock, and I was devastated that I wouldn't be able to finish out my last season as a Colonel. Now, I'm still pretty upset, but I've come to terms with it and know it is time to move forward with my life, even though the thought of what would have happened this season will always be in my mind.
What made you decide to come to Nicholls?
When I was being recruited, I came to Nicholls for a camp, and I loved my time on campus that weekend. As I was leaving camp, I just had this feeling that Nicholls was home. There was such a happy and family atmosphere.'
What is one of your favorite memories during your time as a Colonel?
My sophomore season, we were playing Lamar, and we needed to sweep to be conference champs. The last game of the series, and we won. After the game, the team was all on the field celebrating together and realizing all our hard work had paid off.
What will you miss most about playing softball?
My teammates and all the memories made with them. Also, that feeling of hitting a home run -- there's nothing like it.
Any funny story/moment you'd like to share?
There are wayyyy too many! So many funny and fun memories at Nicholls.
What was your favorite class at Nicholls?
Musculoskeletal Evaluation with Dr. Plaisance. Great professor and such an informative class.
Where was your favorite place to eat?
EL PASO!! or Geaux Fish is a close second!
If you could go back and give yourself advice before you started college, what would you tell yourself?
Just have fun and let loose! It's going to be some of the best times with amazing people, so just live in the moment and enjoy it!
Is there anyone you'd like to thank?
First, I would like to thank my parents and family for encouraging me and pushing me to chase my dream. Second, Coach Santiago, Coach J, and Coach Monica for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. Third, all my teammates who helped me, guided me, been there for me, and shaped me into the person I have become at Nicholls. Next, all my other coaches and teammates who helped form me into the best athlete I could be.
STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonel Softball, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_SB).
