With the spring semester nearing its close, many seniors are fighting the urge to "ease up" and enjoy the longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. But, for senior student-athlete Danielle Chagnon, a softball co-captain, this spring marks the end of an illustrious athletic career at Bowdoin. Chagnon, known as "D" to her teammates, completed her third season on the very successful women's soccer team this fall and is now closing out her fourth and final year as shortstop on the softball team.
During her time on the softball team, Chagnon has collected many accolades for her athleticism and leadership. As a first year, she was named team MVP, an award she received again upon completion of her junior season. Additionally, Chagnon was selected as a second-team All-NESCAC player during her sophomore season and made the first-team as a junior.
"Danielle is the type of athlete that every coach in any sport loves to coach," softball coach Ryan Sullivan said. "She has led our team in almost every offensive category last year and is the catalyst for our offense."
This season has been no different for Chagnon as she has batted an impressive .426 and is currently leading the team with 14 RBIs.
"It is unique to find someone who has a thoughtfulness about team dynamics, perspective on what is working and what needs improvement, and at the same time, individual success," Sullivan added.
Chagnon's teammates readily echo this sentiment.
"D is a great athlete, teammate, and friend. Her love for winning is seen in how she plays, how she trains, and how she motivates her teammates," fellow senior Sonia Weinhaus said.
Megan Wyman '06 agreed.
"D is a fierce competitor who is up for challenges on and off the field. I think her determination for success reflects the personal standards she has set for herself."
Chagnon is quick to shift the focus to her teammates when asked about her contributions to the team.
"It's all about the team," she said. "I love my team. They are my best friends at Bowdoin, and I have so much respect for them. They have great attitudes and are both talented and willing to do whatever it takes to make our team successful."
When not on the softball field, Chagnon enjoys a number of other sports, including squash and soccer. Additionally, she enjoys "sing-a-longs" and jamming on the guitar.
Chagnon spent last summer in Quantico, Virginia, where she successfully completed the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. This 10-week screening program is a physically and mentally rigorous experience, with attrition rates as high as 50 percent in many platoons. Chagnon's affinity for taking on new experiences and challenges with such success reflects her unique talent and positive attitude.
A native of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Chagnon played soccer, basketball, and softball at Windsor Locks High School. Looking ahead, Chagnon hopes to return to the high school circuit, this time as a teacher and coach. Wherever she ends up, she is certain softball will continue to play a large role in her life.
"I'll probably play or coach until I'm insane," she said with a chuckle.
With Commencement rapidly approaching, it is clear that Chagnon has left a mark on Bowdoin athletics.
"Her intensity drives her teammates to increase both their personal and team expectations in each moment of the season," senior co-captain Megan Rodgers said. "I'm glad to have had the opportunity to play beside her for four years and watch her grow both on and off the field."