America
East will highlight one of its student-athletes each month for the
length of the school year. “Shining Stars, Star Students” documents the
life of some of the conference’s star athletes beyond just their
athletic achievements. In the sixth installment, the spotlight is on Boston University senior tri-captain Molly Gallagher, written by Cassie Rhodes, a senior on the Terrier women's crew team.
Boston University’s Molly Gallagher is the epitome of a
well-rounded athlete. Her ability to succeed in everything she does is a
testament to her character. Gallagher contributes more to BU then the typical
college student. Having been a valued and active member for the Terriers for
the past four years, she is also an outstanding student who gives back to the
community.
Gallagher has always had a sporting gene. During high school
she played numerous sports such as baseball, soccer and basketball ? but it was
softball which she instantly fell in love with. From that day on, she has
proven that when she puts her heart into something it pays off.
From a very young age Gallagher’s parents have encouraged
her to be the best at whatever she does. This certainly has transpired not only
on the field but also in other realms. She consistently reassesses the
situation in which she is placed and accepts nothing less than the best from
herself.
“If it is worth doing, it is worth using all you have got,”
said Gallagher. “I think that really is what has inspired me to put myself
entirely into everything that I do.”
Having been a crucial member of the Boston University
softball team for the past four years, Gallagher leads the team this year as
one of the tri-captains. Her leadership capabilities are to be admired.
Gallagher knows what is best for the team and manages to
stay positive and focused on and off the field. She has gained the respect of
not only her coaches and fellow athletes but also the wider Boston University
community.
Gallagher is an extremely mature and level-headed athlete.
She knows the bigger picture and that there is more to life than just a
softball game. Gallagher instills in fellow players that although the on-field
performance is extremely important she encourages all the players to take part
in community activities to give back to a place that has given them so much.
“I try to lead the team more with my attitude and with my
involvement in other activities,” said Gallagher. “I think it is more important
for other players to see ways to give back to the community and then their
careers are more enjoyable.”
The Terries took a stance this year and decided they wanted
to be a classy team with strong character. With a leader like Gallagher
constantly looking for ways to help the community, it seems this will be an
easy feat.
“I think those kind of experiences can really put your
privileges in perspective and help a team build character, which to me is an
integral component if you want your team to be successful,” continued
Gallagher.
Not only does Gallagher encourage her team in helping the
wider community, she is also co-chair of the Boston University Student-Athlete
Advisory Council that leads the student-athlete body in community service
projects.
“I have helped organize a lot of events including some work
we did with the Newton Special Athletes last year and the Massachusetts Lung
Association’s Race up Boston Place this year,” noted Gallagher.
Gallagher has her priorities in place. She not only excels
on the field, in the community but also in her academics. Her key to success is
time management. “I really just set aside certain time for each thing that I
have to do,” said Gallagher.
This seems to work in her favor as every semester that she
has taken four classes Gallagher has earned a 3.0 GPA or above, which has
placed her on the student-athlete academic honor roll.
Gallagher is incredibly well-liked by her teammates and she
has had a direct impact on the Terriers’ team spirit. For the past three years,
she has won the Spirit Award for softball for her constant ability to encourage
her teammates.
The Terriers have a sense of team unity that is something
you do not come across every day. “I think that one of our team’s strongest attributes
is our desire to win,” continued Gallagher.
They are able to put their individual agendas aside and do
what is best for the team.
“We have girls from all over with different backgrounds,”
said Gallagher. “When we show up for practice or a game, none of that matters
because in the end we are all here for the same reason, and we are all willing
to do whatever it takes to succeed.”
It is very rare that you come across a young woman with such
a huge list of accomplishments. Gallagher is not only a role model for her
fellow players but for all athletes that have been given the opportunity to
take part in a Division I sport in college.
Gallagher is a clear example of a humble, well-rounded,
respectful young woman who has her priorities clearly set in place. Although
she is a senior at BU and about to graduate, she has gained the respect of so
many people and it will be a very long time before anyone forgets who Molly
Gallagher is.