The 2024 softball season saw Lindsay Keane of Goshen face the heartbreaking loss of her great-grandmother, Agnes Youngs. Through misty eyes, she watched her entire SUNY Orange women’s softball team and coaches file into the Bullville Methodist Church to show their unwavering support. At that moment, Keane realized she was undeniably on the right team.

Keane shared this powerful story when speaking at the SUNY Orange Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 9, 2024, at the Stony Ford Golf Course in Campbell Hall. As a current student-athlete, she was invited to sit on the voting committee and speak about the value of participating in the College’s athletic program.

In her speech, she said, “In one year, SUNY Orange Athletics has given me a home, a home plate as a catcher, a team that feels like family, and unwavering support on and off the field. I had a rough Spring off the field with a family health scare and the loss of one of my biggest supporters, my great-grandma. I was blessed to have her cheering for me on the sidelines for the previous 14 years of my career. Even while she was in Maryland, my family helped her watch our live streams.

“Losing her was devastating, but my teammates and coaches provided a level of support I had never felt on any other team. On one of the hardest days of my life, they surprised me by walking into the church at her funeral wearing our jerseys. Their support shook me and my family to our cores, making a cold, sad day feel slightly warmer. To me, SUNY Orange Athletics is a source of endless support and amazing memories that will last a lifetime. I will always cherish the relationships I built while playing softball at SUNY Orange and know I am not alone in my gratitude for my teammates and coaches.”

Youngs held a special place in her great-granddaughter’s life. Youngs, the daughter of Raymond Dewitt Bull and Mary Almeda (Stewart) Bull, was a proud member of the Bull family, descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells, married in Goshen, NY, in 1718. Youngs is survived by three sons, eight grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Youngs cheered Keane on for years from the sidelines of countless games, instilling in her the importance of dedication and family support.

A deep sense of family guided Keane as she navigated her athletic journey, helping her focus on what truly mattered when faced with difficult decisions. “When I was in eighth grade at CJ Hooker Middle School, I was pulled up to the varsity softball team. I started at first base almost every game in my career and was awarded the first two coaches’ awards in the program during my junior and senior years,” Keane shared. “During my sophomore year at Goshen High School, the COVID era hit, and I began thinking about where I wanted to go to college, wondering if playing at a D-1 school was important.”

The same drive Keane showed on the field also extended to the classroom where she ranked in the top 25 of her graduating class. She initially thought she would attend a different school but after some reflection realized it wasn’t the right fit and enrolled at SUNY Orange.

“I first spoke with Coach John Rywalt through email,” she explained. “I knew other talented players from the area who spoke highly of SUNY Orange softball, and I was able to meet with the coach in person, which was very important. I genuinely believe this program and this College are the perfect fit for me, plus it’s so close to home. I feel a connection here.”

The coaching staff is eager to praise Keane’s impact on the Colts.

“She is an inspiration to the rest of the team,” said Assistant Coach Larry Stewart.

Assistant Coach Glen Connoly agreed. When asked to describe Keane, he said, “She is mature beyond her years. She is quiet but leads by example, is a humble and very talented player.”

Rywalt recalled an impactful moment that spoke to Keane’s resilience. When her great-grandmother was seriously ill, she still attended practice, unusually quiet. Concerned, Rywalt asked if she felt up to playing—she stayed.

“We were playing a doubleheader when her great-grandmother passed. She told me the news and said she didn’t want her teammates to know and that she would play,” Rywalt said. “She left after the game, and I told the team our next practice would be held at the church for the services.”

He paused, his voice breaking as he gathered himself before continuing. “The team showed up, and we all walked through to pay our respects. I don’t think they initially realized the power they have as a group in showing support.”

Moments like this brought out a feeling of unity between Keane, the other players, and her coaches, a bond shaping her experience at SUNY Orange in ways she never expected.

“In our short time together, Coach John and our assistant coaches got to know me better than many coaches I’ve had in the past. That connection allowed me to build a strong relationship with them and play some of the best softball of my career. Although I never expected to end up here, I’m incredibly grateful that my path led me to this team and the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of working and playing with.”

The Colts began their 2025 season earlier this week (March 11), with a doubleheader sweep of Monroe University-Bronx by scores of 9-3 and 22-6. Keane fueled the Colts in the second game, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs batted in and four runs scored. The Colts’ home opener is set for Noon on March 22. Keane is eager to build on last year’s success and lead the team with the same determination that made her a standout player.

Her skills during the 2024 season are highlighted on the SUNY Orange Athletics website: “Freshman Lindsay Keane has been a reliable athlete who means business. Playing behind the plate and at first base, Keane recorded the most outs with 173 batters/runners put away. She also caught 9 batters trying to steal a base, leading the team by 4. Keane finished in the top 5 of almost every category, ranking 5th in batting average and runs scored, leading the team with 17 doubles, ranking 2nd in total bases, and holding the 3rd highest fielding percentage at .984.”

Whether behind the plate or at first base, Keane’s ability to lead and perform under pressure has made her a key player for SUNY Orange.

Rywalt believes those same strengths will serve her well in the medical field. “I understand she is going to be a nurse, and I think this is very fitting. She is exactly the kind of person you want to have taking care of you.”

Keane brings that same dedication to her studies. A two-time Presidential Scholarship recipient, nursing major, and Dean’s List regular, she is on track to graduate in May 2026. After Commencement, she plans to enter the workforce or pursue her bachelor’s degree while working. While the operating room is her top interest now, she’s keeping an open mind as she explores other specialties within the nursing field.