Chelsea Howard's five years on the softball team have taught her to embrace the journey because it comes to an end before you know it. In addition to softball, Howard focused on growing as a person and participated in activities that allowed her to feel more fulfilled. After Binghamton, she will be starting a job with Carrier in their Financial Leadership Program- Investor Relations department.

Tell us what led you to decide to come to Binghamton.

The reason I chose Binghamton was because of the atmosphere created by the softball team. While deciding what college to attend, I attended a camp for Binghamton Softball. At this camp, I could tell that the coaches and players genuinely wanted to be there and work the camp. This was not the case for all of the camps I had been attending. I also appreciated the emphasis on the importance of academics as well as athletics. From there, I was able to tour the campus and take a look into the academics of Binghamton and knew this school would be a good fit for me!
 
You have played for both Michelle Johnston and Jess Bump. Tell us what has stood out about each of them as coaches?

I have had such a great experience at Binghamton being able to play for Coach Johnston and Coach Bump. As coaches, they are both so dedicated to the sport and their players. They have both created a very inclusive atmosphere and are there for you if you ever need anything. I have appreciated how they have helped me on the academic side as well as the athletic side throughout my years here.

Do any particular games stand out as being your favorite ones? 

I have had so many great experiences over the years so it is hard to choose just one moment. However, the first one that stands out to me was my freshman year when we were on the road in Maine. Coach Johnston was telling us how in her years of coaching they had never taken a series win while in Maine. We fought hard to take the series win for the weekend! And in the process of this, I managed to misthrow a pitch straight up in the air and it came straight down and almost hit me in the head. It was so embarrassing but so hilarious now and we won so it was okay!
 
What has been your favorite class at Binghamton and why? 

My favorite class at Binghamton is a class I took while completing my MBA called Leadership Skills and Development. This class was super interesting and the professor was amazing. I found myself quoting many things I learned in this class while in my job interviews.
 
What are some of the activities you have been involved with away from softball? 

Outside of softball I did not partake in any school organized activities. I focused a lot on growing as a person and finding activities that I enjoy to be fulfilled in life outside of softball. I have gotten the opportunity to explore state parks with hiking, swimming and camping in many different locations, while also making sure to venture to different coffee shops on my endeavors.
 
What are your plans after Binghamton? 

After Binghamton I will be starting a job with Carrier in their Financial Leadership Program- Investor Relations department. This role is located down at their headquarters in Palm Beach FL.
 
Looking back, what advice would you tell your freshman self? 

My advice to my freshman self is what many people before me told me. Your time at Binghamton goes by so fast and you don't have to have everything all figured out. Work hard in school and give softball your all. In a few short years you will look back and be so proud of what you accomplished and where you are headed.
 
How do you think you have grown as a person during your years at Binghamton? 

Over my years at Binghamton I have grown so much as a person. I am headed down a career path I did not envision for myself in the beginning. I have allowed myself to grow, laugh, love and embrace the exciting ride that college has to offer. I have met amazing people allowing me to build friendships that will last a lifetime. I have also found hobbies that I enjoy and will continue to enjoy for many years to come! Although I am sad my softball career is coming to an end I am ready to take on the next chapter of life.