LOGAN, Utah – In the midst of the final series of their collegiate softball careers, the three Utah State seniors are excited to be a part of the legacy. 

In their time at Utah State, Bailey Lewis, Mia Maher and Bailee Trapp have really seen it all. They have been a part of winning seasons, but have seen tougher results. They have each been in the starting lineup, but have also spent time supporting their teammates from the dugout. No matter their role or the product on the field, this graduating trio has given the team their all and will continue to be a part of the program once they have left Logan. 

"The ups and the downs of not only college, but college softball, have allowed me to grow a lot as a person and taught me a lot of values that I would like to take into life after college," Lewis said. "I think what made it doable with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows is my teammates. All four teams had amazing girls that were strong, independent, strong-willed and could teach others what needed to be done. For me, it was more the experience of having my teammates around me, no matter what. No matter what adversity hit, I had those girls by my side."

This graduating class has been a part of record-breaking seasons with the team, each contributing at the plate, on the base paths and defensively. They have also been a part of harder seasons that may not have resulted in as many wins, but have kept their spirits high and worked through the struggles. 

"Going through the ups and downs taught me that even when there are times you think you want to quit, if you push through, there is always hope and something that makes it worth it," Trapp said. "Hard work does pay off."
 
No matter what kind of year the team was having, the Aggies got through it together. 

"I think going through the hardships taught me just as much as the joy and the triumphs that came," Maher said. "Having these two with me all four years made it so much better. I don't think we could have done it without each other."

Trapp echoed Maher's sentiments, saying, "The whole time, we've been in this together." 

As they have made their way through each season, they have grown as individuals and as a team, creating and developing their specific roles. 

"We maybe weren't always a starter, but we always found a role on the team. That was one of the best experiences," Lewis said. "After this, you're not always going to be on top or the star, but there's a role for you to take and embrace. I look back and can walk away knowing I taught other girls that there is a purpose for you on the team, no matter where you are in the standings or whatever."

From the dugout to taking a primarily starting role, the seniors have made the most of their time at Utah State.

"My freshman year it was my job to get the players prepared for the game and cheer them on, to be there for my team in that way. Now that I'm playing, my job is to be on the field," Trapp said. "I've grown every single year in different ways."

Their jobs as teammates and leaders covered territory on and off the field. 

"I think I'm a leader, but not just on the softball field. I want to be a leader and a good example of working hard and sticking together," Trapp said. "We have a young team and there are challenges that come with that, so I have needed to be a louder voice on the team to help guide that."

Those leadership styles varied, as each of the three seniors brought their own strengths to the team. 

"I've never been a big vocal leader on the team, but what I hope I've been able to do every day is just come with a positive attitude. I've tried not to complain, because not a lot of people get to do what we do," Maher said. "Even though day in and day out it seems like softball is our whole life, there are other things. We've talked a lot about that this year with our perspective. Softball is important, but there are other important things too."

As they prepare to make their way into the world, the Aggie grads will remember more than just softball from their experience as softball players. 

"I can genuinely say I remember maybe three things that happened on the field," Lewis said." "Everything else was outside with my friends."

Trapp agreed. 

"I only remember a couple of things on the field. In the moment you think they're such a big deal, but it really doesn't mean anything," she said. "It's the simple things like going out to eat with your teammates or sitting in the training room, those are what I'll remember."

With the relationships they've formed in their four years in Logan, the seniors have seen things from several perspectives. They have said goodbye to teammates through transfers and graduations, and have helped younger players find their place and learn the ropes. 

"I've watched the seniors who have graduated while we've been here go out and find their place in the world," Maher said. "I've watched the three of us grow so much since we were freshmen, and I've loved watching the freshmen this year grow so much, even since the beginning of the season."

All three seniors graduated from USU last week. Lewis and Maher both plan to head home to California where they will take the next steps toward their careers. Lewis will spend some time at home before finding a job and settling down somewhere new. Maher will work as a veterinary technician for a year and will apply to vet school this summer. Trapp will stay in Logan for at least the summer, working as an intern with USU strength and conditioning coach Joe Powell. 

With just two games standing between them and the next phase of life, Lewis, Maher and Trapp know they are a part of the Utah State softball legacy. They have learned and grown together as they have worked through the ups and downs of the last four years. 

"If I could leave here and leave behind one thing, it's to be a part of a family. To make sure that no matter what obstacles or adversity hits, on the field or behind the scenes, always stick together as a family," Lewis said. "I want the other girls to look at the girls beside them and make sure they are playing for each other, rather than themselves. I want people to have the same, or better, experience than I had here."

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at /USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.