Senior night celebrations are a staple in collegiate athletics. After four, sometimes five, years with the program, the day came when Seattle University’s six seniors got to be recognized and celebrated for the hard work that they put in over the years. For the Redhawks, senior day came in the final matchup of a three-game series against conference opponent, Utah Valley.   

Seattle U softball has six seniors who were recognized this weekend. Those seniors were: 

Tai Wilson, an outfielder and biology major who hails from Fairfield, Calif. In her time at Seattle U, Wilson has a career batting average of .320 with 213 hits and 148 runs. Wilson has earned All-WAC recognition, including being named to the All-WAC First Team in 2023.  

Amanda Morris, outfielder and kinesiology major from Coto De Caza, Calif. Morris spent all four years with the Redhawks. She has a career batting average of .236 and played a vital role in the pinch hitter position for Seattle U.  

KJ Hopfer, infielder and psychology major from Tokeland, Wash. Hopfer spent her first two years at the University of San Diego and has been a consistent starter at second base since making her way to Seattle in 2024. Hopfer was named to the Academic All-WAC team in 2024.  

Naomi Chaidez, a right-handed pitcher and accounting major from Anaheim, Calif. In her four years with the Redhawks, Chaidez has a career ERA of 4.87 and received Academic All-WAC recognition in 2023.  

Nicola Simpson, a right-handed pitcher and designated player pursuing her master’s in criminal justice from Seattle, Wash. Simpson spent her first two years at the University of Tennessee, where she helped bring the team to the Women’s College World Series in 2023. Simpson has also shone on the international stage, playing for the Canadian national team. During her time with the Redhawks, Simpson has 2.79 ERA while also maintaining a batting average of .278. The Seattle native has received the WAC Pitcher of the Week award twice and was also named to the All-WAC team.  

Jasmine Wehn, an infielder and grad student pursuing an early career MBA from Chatsworth, Calif. Wehn spent all five years with the Redhawks and has a career batting average of .298, along with a .415 slugging line. Wehn has received Academic All-WAC and district recognition.  

The Redhawks started off hot in this matchup. Wilson, ripping a leadoff double to left, gave Seattle U a runner in scoring position right off the bat. Wilson would go on to come around and score, along with sophomore infielder Mikee Morris, who got on via a single. After putting up another run in the bottom of the third inning, Seattle U led over the Wolverines, 0-3.  

After pitching three shutout innings, Simpson allowed the Wolverines’ first run of the matchup in the fourth. From here on, Utah Valley’s offense was hot, putting up seven in the same inning. Despite attempts at a comeback in the latter half of the game from the Redhawks, it wasn’t enough to pull out a victory. The Wolverines took home the win, securing the series sweep, with a final score of 11-6.  

“Just got some things to work out before the conference tournament, but I feel like we got offense together today, so hoping it comes together and I feel good about the next couple weeks,” Wilson commented on the team’s performance.  

Despite not receiving the ending that they wanted, there are still many positive takeaways from this matchup. The Redhawks were able to pick up eight hits, one more than their opponents. Wilson and M. Morris picked up a couple of hits, going 2-3 and 2-4, respectively, at the plate. The Redhawk pitchers also put up good performances. Though Simpson allowed 11 runs, only three of those were earned. Sophomore pitcher and outfielder Avari Morris came in for relief after Simpson and shut the Wolverines down for the final two innings. Av. Morris went 2.1 innings, allowing no runs or hits.  

“It’s bittersweet, but it’s not the end. That’s what we’re focused on from here on. Yeah, we won’t be at home, but we’ve still got a lot of season left,” Simpson stated.  

The seniors on this squad have all made major impacts towards the program’s success. With them leaving, a new generation of Redhawks will be making their way onto campus, beginning a new legacy here at Seattle U.  

“Just enjoy every single little moment. It goes by so fast, and I feel like I was a freshman yesterday… There’re hard times in college athletics, but if you enjoy it and enjoy the grind, then it makes it worth it,” Hopfer commented when asked what advice she would give underclassmen.  

The Redhawks will hit the road May 2 to take on UT Arlington for their final matchup of the regular season.