"Her contributions to the program have been unmatched. She has raised the standards for Harvard softball, has had an incredible impact on the team, and done a tremendous job as a leader," Coach Jennifer Allard says. "She's done a great job keeping the team motivated and focused this year."

Teammates echoed Allard's sentiments and applauded Abeles for her leadership and positive influence on the team. She has been able to transfer her intensity and work ethic to younger players with a quiet yet powerful leadership style. Rather than pumping the team up with boisterous pre-game pep talks, she and co-captain Ghia Godfree simply performed with an infectious poise under pressure.

The team has reacted and gained the confidence to become a powerful force in the Ivy League, garnering respect from all for its gritty and determined play.

"She is always hustling during practice, talking it up during games, and she really sets the tone for the rest of the players," McKendry says. "Her love for the game is immeasurable and because of her outrageous work ethic, she pushes the rest of us towards success. She is an amazing leader, sets a great example for the rest of the team, especially the newcomers, and is encouraging and helpful out on the field."

"She is always the first one out on the field and the last one to go home," Godfree says. "Deborah's dedication inspires the rest of us to run faster, hit harder, and play better."

Godfree and Abeles not only share the role of captain on the softball team but a history of competition extending back to their high school years. They attended rival high schools, competing for local bragging rights in both softball and soccer.

"As an opponent, I had an immense respect for Deborah's athletic abilities," Godfree says. "Every time she came up to bat, I knew that there was a good chance that she would hit the ball out of the park."

While they shared a mutual respect on the playing fields, however, the two never really established the friendship until they both ended up at Harvard. As teammates and friends, Godfree found out that her once feared competitor would become one of her most trusted friends.