Though Academy of Art Softball was not able to honor its 2020 senior class on the physical field this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team has taken this opportunity to celebrate its quintet of outfielder Gabi Hirsch, infielder Gracie Sotomayor, pitcher Hannah Rose Balke, utility Dominique Seva'aetasi, and catcher Austyn Matlick by sharing memories along with a look back at each Urban Knight's four-year career with the program.

"It was an honor and pleasure to coach the 2020 senior class," said assistant coach Meagan Dixon. "Throughout my coaching experience, I have never coached a group who consistently embodied leadership like these women did. Although their senior season ended abruptly, each and every single one of them left it all on the field, especially in ART U's last series. Gabi, Gracie, Hannah, Dom, and Austyn, I want to say thank you for the impact you have left on this program. Your presence will be greatly missed on and off the field. Continue to stay focused on your studies as your next big game day will be graduation. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you all."

#1 Gabi Hirsch
"Playing softball and attending ART U has been one of the best decisions I've made," said Hirsch. "Having the satisfaction of putting in a lot of hard work, achieving success on and off the field, and the warm glow of nearing the end of my college journey have all contributed to an amazing experience from start to end. Although challenging at times, athletically and academically, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat."

Joining Academy of Art from Huntington Beach High School, Hirsch quickly became a vital contributor on both sides of the softball. After driving in a run in her first collegiate at-bat, the speedy slap-hitter soon had her first three-hit performance two weeks later and went on to start 35 games as a freshman. In 2018, she started all 58 contests and rose into the leadoff spot in the batting order as a 12-game hit streak and 25-game reached base streak propelled her to hit .337 with 30 stolen bases (fourth in the PacWest Conference that year, second in program history, and a fitting number for a year's theme that was #OnThe30). Among the highlights was her first four-hit performance with four runs batted in and three runs scored on a Senior Day that saw ART U score 30 times. Hirsch once again hit over .300 as a junior, registering at least one hit in 12 of her first 15 games that year. Contributing to her .312 career average over 161 games, the Huntington Beach, Calif. native was hitting a team-best .291 through 23 contests in 2020 with four hits plus three RBIs in eight at-bats of the team's final series hosting Hawaii Pacific.

"Gabi always has the integrity of the outfield in mind when she plays," said sophomore outfielder Bethany Mitchell. "She makes sure we are all on the same page and play to our fullest potential. I wish her the best of luck with her architecture career and a life filled with joy."

Over the course of her four-year career, Hirsch earned All-PacWest Third Team as a sophomore in 2018 and added Preseason All-PacWest Team ahead of her junior year. Owner of ART U's highest career fielding percentage (.980), she finished 2020 third in program history in career stolen bases (54), fourth in assists among career outfielders (10), eighth in career runs scored (82), and ninth in career sacrifice hits (14). Off the field, she contributed a total of 45 hours of community service across 16 different commitments. Hirsch will earn a bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture & Design from Academy of Art.

"Gabi is always on top of everything when it comes to our defense," said junior outfielder Jamie Batto. "She's the leader of our outfield and is always keeping the left and right fielders in check. With her leader mentality, I know she will do very well in her career as an architect."

#17 Gracie Sotomayor
"My four years at Academy of Art University have been quite an experience," said Sotomayor. "My fellow senior class and I have surpassed multiple struggles and changes throughout the years. Unfortunately, we weren't able to finish showing our passion and strength on the field throughout our last season, but I was at least able to finish with my girls by my side."

Becoming an Urban Knight after a strong softball career at Cesar E. Chavez High School, Sotomayor was one of just two players to start all 50 games in her first year, earning PacWest Freshman of the Week at the beginning of a stretch where she drove in 14 runs in 14 games. The fixture at second base hit .325 with a team-best 35 runs scored as a freshman, following that up with a productive eight RBIs in her first nine games of 2018. A vital cog in the machine that was the winningest season in program history, Sotomayor highlighted her 58-start sophomore season by being named Tournament of Champions All-Tournament Team after hitting .467 (7-for-15) with four RBIs, a triple, two steals, and three runs scored in ART U's perfect 5-0 run in Turlock. Offering three-hit efforts on five occasions as a junior, the Delano, Calif. native started all 39 games of a rain-affected season while hitting .276 with 23 runs scored. Sotomayor pushed her ironwoman streak to 170 straight starts in 2020, adding two more triples for the third consecutive season and scoring three times in a thrilling 12-10 win over Hawaii Pacific that would become the year's finale.
 
"Not only does Gracie have my name, but she also was the senior in the position I practice at," said freshman infielder Gracie Boyd. "When I missed the ball or got upset, she would always be right behind me telling me what I needed to fix and giving me that courage to just keep going, even on my worst days. I have a lot to thank Gracie for and I'm disappointed that I can't learn more from her this year. I just hope and wish the best for her and know that there are bigger and better opportunities waiting. Thank you for making me a better player and person."

Never missing a start in four years, Sotomayor was All-PacWest Third Team as both a freshman and a sophomore before going on to finish third in ART U history in career triples (6), sixth in career runs scored (91), sixth in career stolen bases (36), seventh in career doubles (28), eighth in career hits (157), and 10th in career sacrifice hits (13). Off the field, she earned Academic All-PacWest honors in 2017-18 and contributed nearly 60 hours of community service across the 17 different commitments. Sotomayor will earn a bachelor's degree in Art Education from Academy of Art.

"I've played with Gracie for two years and no matter what, she was always smiling and had the most energy I've ever seen," said sophomore utility Cassandra Mittman. "She was always there to pick us up when we messed up and I know that no matter what I had on my mind I could always tell her and she would be there to help me out in any way she could. She brought the team so much joy and I'm truly going to miss her so much. It really won't be the same without her. I wish this season wasn't cut short so I could finish the year on the field with her. Love you, Gracie! I wish you the best in the next chapter of your life! Thank you for being the best teammate I could ask for!"

#18 Hannah Rose Balke
"There's no experience like being at ART U and playing on the softball team," said Balke. "My teammates are resilient, talented, and have the best dance moves in the PacWest. Some of the best days I've ever had have been playing with these girls on the field. I think anyone watching our games knows that we're having the most fun out there no matter what. I've faced every obstacle a player can endure, but it would not have been possible without Austyn, Dom, Gabi, and Gracie. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to share this journey with."

Coming off two Most Valuable Player seasons at Oak Park High School, Balke made an immediate as a freshman at Academy of Art. En route to 188.0 innings pitched (120.0 more than the team's next closest pitcher), the tall right-hander struck out eight on two occasions and tossed four shutouts including the first two no-hitters in program history on Mar. 10, 2017 and Apr. 9, 2017 (both resulted in PacWest Pitcher of the Week honors - Mar. 13, 2017 and Apr. 10, 2017). After setting the program's single-season record with 21 wins, Balke kept her earned run average in the low threes while handling more of a relief role as a sophomore. Returning to a starting position as a junior, she made for a dynamic one-two punch with Cecilia Lopez, a sophomore at the time, throwing just over 100 innings while registering four complete game shutouts with the last of those a one-hitter versus Dominican. To date in 2020, the senior led ART U in virtually every pitching category with eight more complete games in 12 starts, turning in a victory with no earned runs allowed in her final complete 7.0 innings before adding her first career save hosting Hawaii Pacific.

"Hannah is one of my best friends and, while I'm sad to see her go, I can't wait for all the things she is going to do off the field," said junior catcher Lauryn Henderson. "A talented film major and a music connoisseur, there is no doubt in my mind she will find her way out there. I'll miss sharing music on the bus to and from practice and I'll miss catching her knuckle ball. Maybe I'll even miss getting hit in the wrist every once in a while when she says, 'My drop ball isn't working today.' But best believe, no matter where we are, this pitcher/catcher duo is for life."

Undoubtedly one of the top pitchers in program history, Balke was part of the 2017 PacWest All-PacWest Second Team, added Preseason All-PacWest Team honors ahead of her sophomore season, and will finish 2020 among the program's top six in seven career pitching categories – second in wins (37), third in innings pitched (416.1), third in complete games (33), third in shutouts (8), fourth in strikeouts (255), fourth in opponent batting average (.263), and sixth in ERA (3.63). Off the field, she earned Academic All-PacWest honors twice (2017-18, 2018-19) and contributed 42 hours of community service across 15 different commitments. Balke will earn a bachelor's degree in Motion Pictures & Television from Academy of Art.
 
"Hannah, thank you for always being a hard worker and putting our team first," said Lopez. "Thank you for always saying jokes and keeping the team's spirits up! We will miss you!"

#21 Dominique Seva'aetasi
"Living in San Francisco has definitely been an experience for me and it has helped me grow into the person I am now," said Seva'aetasi. "I've met so many wonderful people at this school, created lifelong friends, and had the privilege to play on the ART U softball team. I have never been closer with a group of girls or people in general than I am with my teammates, especially my fellow seniors. Through all the ups and downs that we have experienced, I can definitely say I am extremely proud of the class that we ended up becoming by the time our senior year rolled around. Our senior class is fairly big in comparison to those of the past and I think that is a testament to how determined we were as a group from the beginning to really stick out these four years together and finish strong. I am so thankful for this school and these girls for allowing me to be able to be a part of their lives and be part of their college experience, especially out on the field. Not a lot of people have the privilege to play ball in college so I'll always be grateful for being given the opportunity to do so for four years. I am sad that my final year on the field got cut short so early into the season, but I can easily say that I am happy with how I have impacted this program as well as impacted the girls on my team. I can't wait to see where this program goes and will definitely miss playing with this crazy group of girls!"

A highly accomplished product of Stevenson School, Seva'aetasi caught fire in the final month of her freshman season, unleashing a nine-game hitting streak that raised her batting average over 200 points and included her first PacWest Player of the Week honor for a 6-for-6, seven-RBI effort on Apr. 4, 2017. After playing a variety of positions to start her career, Seva'aetasi was primarily in the outfield as a sophomore, starting more than 50 games there while helping the Urban Knights reach the NCAA postseason for the first time. The Seaside, Calif. native shifted to the infield in 2019, filling an important role at shortstop as well as some first base while starting every game, leading the team with 15 stolen bases, and hitting .291. She blasted her first collegiate home run in a win over Chaminade on Apr. 6, 2019 and added one more as a senior on Mar. 5, 2020. That second long ball came during Seva'aetasi's most recent six-game hitting streak that featured six RBIs, seven runs scored, and took her to what would be the end of the season.

"Thank you for stepping up for the team in any type of situation," said freshman infielder Haley Randall. "As a freshman coming in, I was so nervous, but the first day you told me, 'I'll be there for you guys with anything you need. Don't hesitate to call or text me.' Dom always stuck with that promise, made everyone feel welcome, and was one of the most selfless people I have ever been on a team with. She really taught me a lot about how to play the game. It was never about her; she was always for the team and I admire that. Thank you for not only being an amazing teammate, but an amazing person as well."

The epitome of a utility player, Seva'aetasi has played six different positions for ART U, spending 72 games in the outfield, 53 games at shortstop, 20 games at third base, 12 games at first base, 10 games at designated player, and one game at catcher. After being named 2017 All-PacWest Second Team in 2017, Seva'aetasi finished 2020 ranked among the program's top 10 in career triples (5), stolen bases (33), and walks (41). Off the field, she earned Academic All-PacWest honors three times (2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19) and contributed over 43 hours of community service across 15 different commitments. Seva'aetasi will earn a bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture & Design from Academy of Art.

"For me, coming onto the team late was really nerve-racking and I was scared," said Boyd. "I went into practice and I was shocked at how much of a real leader Dom is. She never gave up on us and was always so encouraging. I wish I had gotten more time to know her on a deeper level. She is one of the most amazing people and I just know that there are so many big things that Dom will do. I will always look up to her for who she is."

#30 Austyn Matlick
"It's been an honor to wear that uniform for four years," said Matlick. "Playing in college was a goal I worked towards for as long as I can remember. ART U was my dream school since I was 12 and I can't imagine having played anywhere else. From the coaches to the girls, I've made lifelong friends and I can't thank them enough for being a part of this journey. My career may not have ended the way I hoped, but I couldn't have asked for a better class to go out with."

Following her graduation from Tahoma High School in Washington, Matlick joined Academy of Art in 2017 and immediately began building friendships with her teammates as a redshirt freshman. She remained plugged into the team every step of the way during the Urban Knights' 40-win season, continuing to provide encouragement and work behind the scenes throughout. Last year, the tireless worker was called upon to make her first collegiate start on Apr. 7, 2019 and proceeded to register her first career hit in a PacWest victory. Putting in starts at both first base and the hot corner in 2020, Matlick continued to lead the squad both in work ethic and attitude.

"You always wish you could have a teammate like Austyn," said sophomore pitcher Haley Arnold-Jolley. "She's one of the most positive and motivational people I have ever met she takes advantage of every opportunity to get better, never leaving anyone behind. She has made everyone smile and laugh and brightens up the room with her presence. I could not have asked for a better teammate. Congratulations!"

A selfless contributor and energetic force on the team, Matlick will forever be remembered for her willingness to help the team, politely doing so with a grin and a kind word. Off the field, she contributed over 42 hours of community service across 15 different commitments. Matlick will earn a bachelor's degree in Visual Development from Academy of Art.
 
"Austyn is one if, if not THE hardest workers I have ever played with," said junior catcher Alyssa Brundage. "She definitely knows how to be a positive teammate at all times. I will miss you!"