Dear Washington By Rhonda Newton
June 12, 2026 | Track & Field, Student-Athlete Academic Services
This letter written by UW track and field senior Rhonda Newton was read at the 2026 student-athlete graduation ceremony.
Good afternoon, family, friends, faculty, and the Class of 2026.
First, I want to thank everyone for being here today to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates sitting before you. This moment represents years of hard work, perseverance, and growth.
The funny thing is, when I was deciding where to go to college, the University of Washington was not my first choice. I had lived in Washington my entire life. I wanted to escape the constant clouds and rain, get away from home. I wanted sunshine and a chance to experience something different. And most importantly, I was convinced I didn't look good in purple.
Yet somehow, despite all my reasons for wanting to leave, this university became exactly where I was meant to be.
As the first person in my family to attend a university, this journey came with challenges I could never have fully prepared for. I entered college not only as a student, but also as a student-athlete, balancing the demands of academics, athletics, work, and personal responsibilities all at once.
There were 8 a.m. lifts, long practices, late nights studying, and days when it felt like there simply were not enough hours in the day. There were moments when I was physically exhausted, mentally drained, and unsure of how I would make it through the next day.
But I learned it takes a village.
None of us make it to a day like today on our own. Behind every student sitting here is a community of people who believed in us, supported us, and carried us through moments when we couldn't carry ourselves.
My village showed up in many different ways. When I was injured and out for two seasons, it was my teammates who gave me hope and reminded me that my value extended beyond my sport. When I had a bad day and needed someone to talk to, it was Lizzy who was always there to listen. When I wanted to quit, it was my coach Jesh who reminded me why I started and gave me the strength to keep going. When I needed a place to collect myself and spill the tea, Polo gave me that space. And when I needed encouragement to take one more step forward, it was my family who never stopped believing in me and made every sacrifice, every challenge, and every long day worth it.
But perhaps the greatest lesson I learned is that a village is not limited to the people closest to you. Sometimes, a village is an entire community.
Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of being part of something much bigger than my own team. I have watched as all of us sitting here show up for one another time and time again. We celebrated each other's victories, broke records, won championships, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
We packed the stands at Husky Stadium as our football team made it to the national championship game. We lined Montlake Cut for the Windermere Cup. We followed and supported our soccer teams as they made history, including our women's soccer team winning the Big Ten Championship and our men's soccer team bringing home the first national championship in program history.
But what made this community special wasn't just what we accomplished. It was how we showed up for one another along the way.
In moments of celebration, we celebrated together. And in moments of heartbreak, we grieved together.
When we lost Mia Hamant, our athletic community was reminded that being a Husky means more than competing for wins and championships. It means showing up for one another when it matters most. It means carrying each other through difficult moments and honoring those who leave a lasting impact on our lives. Mia's legacy lives on in the way we continue to support one another, lead with kindness, and approach each day with courage and gratitude.
Though her time with us was far too short, the impact she had on this community will be felt for years to come.
The trophies, banners, and records will always be part of our story. But when I look back on my time, what I will remember most is the people. I will remember the way this community came together, supported one another, and proved that being a Husky is about something much bigger than athletics.
It is about family.
It is about community.
And above all, it is about the village that carries us through life's greatest challenges and celebrates life's greatest victories.
Thank you, Husky Nation, for being my village.
It has been my honor.
Good afternoon, family, friends, faculty, and the Class of 2026.
First, I want to thank everyone for being here today to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates sitting before you. This moment represents years of hard work, perseverance, and growth.
The funny thing is, when I was deciding where to go to college, the University of Washington was not my first choice. I had lived in Washington my entire life. I wanted to escape the constant clouds and rain, get away from home. I wanted sunshine and a chance to experience something different. And most importantly, I was convinced I didn't look good in purple.
Yet somehow, despite all my reasons for wanting to leave, this university became exactly where I was meant to be.
As the first person in my family to attend a university, this journey came with challenges I could never have fully prepared for. I entered college not only as a student, but also as a student-athlete, balancing the demands of academics, athletics, work, and personal responsibilities all at once.
There were 8 a.m. lifts, long practices, late nights studying, and days when it felt like there simply were not enough hours in the day. There were moments when I was physically exhausted, mentally drained, and unsure of how I would make it through the next day.
But I learned it takes a village.
None of us make it to a day like today on our own. Behind every student sitting here is a community of people who believed in us, supported us, and carried us through moments when we couldn't carry ourselves.
My village showed up in many different ways. When I was injured and out for two seasons, it was my teammates who gave me hope and reminded me that my value extended beyond my sport. When I had a bad day and needed someone to talk to, it was Lizzy who was always there to listen. When I wanted to quit, it was my coach Jesh who reminded me why I started and gave me the strength to keep going. When I needed a place to collect myself and spill the tea, Polo gave me that space. And when I needed encouragement to take one more step forward, it was my family who never stopped believing in me and made every sacrifice, every challenge, and every long day worth it.
But perhaps the greatest lesson I learned is that a village is not limited to the people closest to you. Sometimes, a village is an entire community.
Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of being part of something much bigger than my own team. I have watched as all of us sitting here show up for one another time and time again. We celebrated each other's victories, broke records, won championships, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
We packed the stands at Husky Stadium as our football team made it to the national championship game. We lined Montlake Cut for the Windermere Cup. We followed and supported our soccer teams as they made history, including our women's soccer team winning the Big Ten Championship and our men's soccer team bringing home the first national championship in program history.
But what made this community special wasn't just what we accomplished. It was how we showed up for one another along the way.
In moments of celebration, we celebrated together. And in moments of heartbreak, we grieved together.
When we lost Mia Hamant, our athletic community was reminded that being a Husky means more than competing for wins and championships. It means showing up for one another when it matters most. It means carrying each other through difficult moments and honoring those who leave a lasting impact on our lives. Mia's legacy lives on in the way we continue to support one another, lead with kindness, and approach each day with courage and gratitude.
Though her time with us was far too short, the impact she had on this community will be felt for years to come.
The trophies, banners, and records will always be part of our story. But when I look back on my time, what I will remember most is the people. I will remember the way this community came together, supported one another, and proved that being a Husky is about something much bigger than athletics.
It is about family.
It is about community.
And above all, it is about the village that carries us through life's greatest challenges and celebrates life's greatest victories.
Thank you, Husky Nation, for being my village.
It has been my honor.
Players Mentioned
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