"I really do miss it. I haven't played in about two years, though, so I might be a little rusty" she jokes.

Nearly everyone on the team has a story to tell. Memories abound, making her clutch performances and awesome displays of power virtually legendary. The team will not only miss her tenacity and courage on the field, but also her presence in the locker room and magnetic personality.

"Deborah is one of the finest young women that I have ever coached," Coach Allard says. "She's a strong, hard-working, and talented individual all wrapped into one."

"She's been an inspiration to play with and it will be difficult to fill her shoes, but the impression she's left with Harvard softball gives next year's captains a great example to follow," McKendry says.

Abeles and company capped an already outstanding career with a trip to the NCAA Regional playoffs last week but fell short against Northwestern and Oklahoma in the double-elimination tournament. Hampered by a nagging wrist injury, Abeles struggled both on the field and at the plate in the two games. She managed to play through the pain and provide an emotional spark to the team, but her potent offense and sound defense were certainly missed.

Though frustrated by the team's quick exit from the playoffs, Abeles career will endure as the standard of excellence for years to come. As she receives her diploma and embarks upon the next challenges in her young life, you can be sure that she will approach life with the same fervor and passion that she exhibited on the field over the past four years.