On May 8, 2020, Nichols College women's soccer junior student-athlete Hallie Linacre passed away in her sleep. A two-time Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Academic All-Conference selection, Hallie was a double major in Accounting and Finance. Along with being a standout on the pitch for the Bison, Linacre was a member of the Honors Program at Nichols, a TA for the PDS program, involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and served as a student worker in the Library. Linacre was set to be a team captain for the Bison as a senior in 2020.   

Photos:
Soccer Action / Friends

Video:
Linacre's first collegiate goal

Fundraiser:
gofundme

Stories about Hallie:
NBC 10 / Fox 12 / Providence Journal / Obituary

Memories of Hallie

"Hallie was my roommate, teammate and best friend. I consider her a sister and forever friend. There was never a time when we weren't together. Always smiling. We protected, appreciated and loved each other everyday, side by side. She changed my life and I'm truly lost without her. Hal was the kind of person you wanted as a friend, the player you wanted to coach, the student you wanted in your class, and the teammate you wanted by your side when taking the field. She had a smile you could spot from across campus, a laugh that made your day, and a natural ability to lead. Her positive spirit will be missed by the entire Nichols College community. My heart goes out to anyone who is hurting from this tragic loss. I will miss 'my shadow' and the better half of the inseparable duo everyday, for the rest of my life. I will carry her in my heart, thoughts and memories always." -Nichols College women's soccer student-athlete, teammate and roommate Nicole Gidley

"Hallie Linacre was someone that could instantly change your mood by just seeing her smile. She was always the hardest working on the soccer field as well as the classroom. Hal had always wanted the best for her teammates on our soccer team as well as the people around her. She was always someone who had your back no matter what time or place, she would be there. As we're going into our senior soccer season, this season is dedicated to you Hallie and we're going to do whatever it takes. I know that you'll be watching with Maddie, thank you for all of the memories and being the best teammate. Hallie will be a bison forever. Rest in the sweetest peace, forever together #11 and #27." -Nichols College women's soccer student-athlete and teammate, Melody Millett

"Hallie was my recruit when I was a sophomore. When she came here in the fall, I was excited to play with her after getting to know her that night. She always had my back on the field. She really was my right hand man and I was so lucky to play beside her for two years. She was so much more than a teammate - she is a priceless friend and I hope I can play with her again one day. Brooke (Downey) said it best, "Only legends wear 27 💚." -former Nichols College women's soccer student-athlete and teammate Brittany Busco '19

"Hallie was the first person I met when I came onto campus for soccer preseason our freshman year. We were scared yet so excited for our next journey. We lived right down the hall from each other in Shamie and that's where one of the best friendships I have had started. Hallie's smile and laugh lit up every room she stepped into.She always knew how to make people happy. Hallie is definitely remembered as a great soccer player, friend, and teammate and I am so thankful that she has touched so many lives, including mine." -Nichols College women's basketball student-athlete and former soccer teammate Isabella Nerney

"Hallie was one of my best friends and teammates. I formed a bond with her instantly because she became one of my center backs, and the bond between a goalie and her defense is something special. That bond on the field quickly carried to off the field. Having Hallie play in front of me was a true blessing. She was such a talented player with so much heart - I could always count on her. She was a natural leader and her passion for soccer inspired everyone on our team. I have so many memories with Hallie that it is honestly hard to chose just one. Hallie made extremely ordinary things such as eating dinner or doing homework together special and fun. Her smile could light up a whole room. When she smiled at you, even if you were having a bad day, you could not help but smile back. Hallie was a friend that everyone wants in their life. She was always there for me and always supported me no matter what. If something was bothering me, I knew I could go to Hallie and she would listen and give me a big hug after. Her gentle spirit and positivity will be missed by everyone. Hallie left an impact on everyone she crossed paths with. I am beyond thankful that I met Hallie and I will always hold on to all the precious memories we have together." -former Nichols College women's soccer student-athlete and teammate Brooke Downey

"Hallie brightened every soccer practice, every team meeting, every bus ride, and every function she attended here with our team and the Nichols community. She was intelligent, hard-working, sincere, athletic, and always willing to do more than was asked of her. We will miss Hallie dearly. Our hearts go out to the Linacre family, the Chariho community, the Nichols College Bison family, and all those impacted by Hallie's passing. Hallie will be a Bison Forever." -former Nichols College women's soccer head coach Karen Gurnon

"Although I only knew Hallie for the past year, she made a positive impact on my life. From her love, passion, and drive to continue to play for and honor her late friend Maddie Potts to her never ending work ethic on and off the field, she was an inspiration to many. My fondest memory of Hallie comes from on the field, when she continuously wanted to learn and get better. Throughout this season, she had gotten moved around into the midfield for a few games. She knew that I played midfield in college and would constantly come to me for tips and pointers. She was never satisfied and was always trying to get better. Whether it was practices or games, Hallie asked me to watch her and tell her what she was doing wrong and what she could do better. As a former player myself, I appreciated and valued her love and passion for the game. Everything she did was to become the best version of herself for her friends, teammates, coaches, and family. Hallie always had a smile on that could light up a room. She will be missed tremendously, but I know her spirit will live on. Once a Bison, always a Bison." -Nichols College graduate assistant athletic trainer Kendall Machak

"Hallie was one of my first friends at Nichols. College was hard to adjust to at first, but Hallie was able to make it easier for me. As time went on, we became closer and closer, eventually becoming roommates. We shared a lot of memories together, from daily trips to the dining hall to late movie nights with the rest of our roommates. Hallie was always someone I could go to for anything. No matter what, she would always have my back. I was with Hallie the day she lost her best friend, Maddie Potts. It was hard to imagine the pain she was facing, never thinking I would face a similar pain just a few years later. I knew Hallie as someone who was always smiling and a positive person to be around. I will forever be grateful that I got to call her one of my closest friends. My heart hurts for Hallie's family and friends, but I find comfort knowing that she is with Maddie again. Forever in my mind and forever in my heart. I love you forever, Hal." -Nichols College senior and former roommate Jamie MacDonald

"Hallie was one of my roommates sophomore year of college. I remember one of the first things we noticed when moving in was how our name plates for our sports shared the same number that we both wore. We found that funny as they hung up on our dressers. Throughout that year, we shared so many memories together as roommates. All of us would do things together such as Secret Santa, celebrating each other birthdays, and roommate bonding games and adventures. Hallie was always smiling and full of laughter. Hallie will always be in our hearts for the rest of our lives. My roommates and I hold heavy hearts knowing we won't get to see her again. We all will cherish the memories we had together and hold Hallie dear to our hearts. I think I speak for everyone in the sports community at Nichols when I say, 'Next season is for Hallie.' I'm honored to have known and lived with Hallie for the time that I did, and I will wear the number we shared on my back next season and play for Hallie. We all love you forever Hal." -Nichols College women's ice hockey student-athlete Nicole Cowan

"When I think about Hallie, I will always remember her as a kind, quiet leader with a welcoming smile. She was someone who exemplified what it meant to be a team player, and also someone who was incredibly hard working and dedicated to all of her many pursuits. After having Hallie in my class as a student, I then had the distinct privilege of working with her when she was my Teaching Assistant for First Year PDS. Hallie was an impeccable role model for our new students, and she was a wonderful classroom partner. Her peaceful nature and genuine spirit made her extremely likable, and I will treasure that time we got to spend together. My heart goes out to Hallie's family, friends, teammates, hometown community, and the entire Nichols family. We will never forget #27: Bison forever." -Nichols College Academic Advisor and Coordinator of First Year PDS Janet Newman

"Coming to Nichols freshman year was scary at first, having to make new memories without anyone familiar being by your side. Meeting Hallie was like a breath of fresh air, seeing as she was also native to Rhode Island, we had that instant bond. Not only was she a great roommate, but also a great friend. There were countless laughs shared in 308 during our roommate movie dates, game nights, and occasional holiday parties. Hallie became a crucial part of my experience at Nichols College and it has been amazing watching her grow as a person throughout the years. I am deeply saddened to see her go so soon, but I feel comfort knowing she is with her friend Maddie Potts and is watching over all of us. I am forever thankful for having the pleasure of knowing her, never mind being considered her friend. Rest in Peace, Hal." -Nichols College senior and former roommate Sophia Dooley

"I often find myself using the term 'The Ideal Nichols College Student Athlete' and the adjectives that go along with this phrase: mature, professional, smart, dedicated, honest, respectful, hardworking, committed, passionate. There is not one of these phrases that does not directly relate to Hallie and what she meant to the Athletics Department and to the Women's Soccer program. Her infectious smile will be missed on a daily basis, and #27 will always fly high over the Nichols College Athletics Department." -Nichols College co-Head Athletic Trainer Tim Bennett 

"Hallie was the kind of friend that would tell you you're doing something dumb, but do it with you anyway! When I first met Hallie, she seemed reserved. I was always myself around her and, one day, she just started laughing at my jokes. It felt good.Then, she started joking back with me and our jokes turned into secrets and our thoughts and feelings. I was lucky Hallie felt like she could get personal with me. Hallie was a silly, smart and thoughtful person. She was fun and liked having a good time. The more and more I reflect on my time at Nichols, Hallie was always there. She was one of my best friends at Nichols and I'll always cherish our time together." -Nichols College women's track & field student-athlete and former teammate Linzi Fitzgerald

"To hear of Hallie's passing is beyond heartbreaking. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to the Linacre family, her friends, teammates, and our Nichols community. She was a tremendous young woman who truly epitomized what it meant to be a Nichols College student and student-athlete. Her incredible presence will be greatly missed both on our campus and in the community." -Nichols College Director of Athletics Eric Gobiel

"Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Hallie knows how incredible she really was. Hallie was the kind of person that people should aspire to be. She was genuine, kind, whole hearted, and her smile could instantly light up an entire room. She was one of the hardest workers I've ever met, both in the classroom and on the soccer field, and you could always count on her, no matter what the situation may be. Hallie and I had most of our classes together, and we found ourselves working on numerous projects, assignments, and presentations together at all hours of the day. This allowed our friendship to grow outside of the classroom, too, and I am forever grateful for that. Although things won't be the same without her, I will take her memory with me always, especially throughout our senior year and every single thing that we would've tackled together. I am so lucky to have had a friend like Hallie, and I am forever grateful that Nichols brought us together." -Nichols College softball student-athlete Colleen Callahan

"Hallie was one of my closest friends; a friend that you could count on for anything and everything. Something I will always cherish is that before every single one of my soccer games in the time I knew her, she wished me good luck. She always believed in me even when I did not believe in myself. There were many times when I think we both realized that I would not even play in games, but she still supported me and that meant to the world to me. Her constant support was just one thing that made her special; her compassion, kindness, and ability make others smile are things that I will always remember. I will always be grateful that she was a part of my life and so many others at Nichols College. Thank you for everything, Hal. Rest Easy." -Nichols College men's soccer student-athlete Jacob Sargent '20

"Hallie was extremely bright, she always wore her heart on her sleeve, and her laugh and smile was contagious. We both started our Nichols journey together in Financial Accounting, where we both were put on independent studies and ended up spending tons of time together trying to complete various projects, assignments, etc. Every single year, we took most of the same classes, taking on the difficulty of college while laughing, making jokes and becoming great friends with one another. I remember specifically, in the fall, we took Intermediate Accounting 3 together, we would sit right next to each other and text each other on our laptops because we had so much to catch each other up on but didn't want to get in trouble. This is just a droplet in the ocean of all the memories that I'll hold in my heart. Hal had the kindest soul and was so fun to be around, there was never a dull moment. Her passion for soccer was indescribable, her leadership was admirable and her love for her family, friends, soccer teammates, and her dog Astro was endless.I have no doubt in my mind that Hallie is with her best friend Maddie again and will continue to watch over us all for the years to come while playing the sport they love together. Hallie will be deeply missed by myself and the entire Nichols College Community. Rest in the sweetest peace, Hal. Love you forever #forever27." -Nichols College junior Jessica Soucie  

Those wishing to contribute memories or photos of Hallie for this celebration should contact Pete DiVito at peter.divito@nichols.edu.