Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

After thinking over and over about what I was going to write for my Senior Salute, a million and one possibilities were running through my head.  There have been so many good times and amazing memories that have happened and been made while being at Saint Mary’s that I will truly miss after graduation.  After participating in four years of softball and two years of hockey — plus being a biology major — I have learned many life lessons that I will continue to carry with me throughout the remainder of my life.  None of these memories and lessons could have been possible without the amazing people that I have met while being here.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents and family.  My parents have always been there my entire life through thick and thin and without them I would have never had the opportunity to be a part of the Saint Mary’s community.  Although they have not been able to make it to many of my softball games they are still my biggest supporters.  They make sure to always listen to the broadcasting on-line and stay updated with all of the articles on the website.  No matter how well or badly I may have done on a particular day; they are always there for me assuring me that I have done a good job.  And this doesn’t just go for my athletics, but for my academics, too.  My mother has been my biggest help in trying to figure out what I am going to do with my life after college — whether it was with what classes I needed to take, or with graduate school applications, or helping me find a job.  They want me to be as successful as possible after college and are really making that all possible for me.  No matter what, my parents will do whatever it is I need them to in order for me to make something of my life.  I may not say it all the time, or any at all, but without them I would not be where I’m at today and I truly do appreciate all they have done for me and I love you guys!

Next, I would like to thank all my friends here at Saint Mary’s.  The memories that we have made here at Saint Mary’s will be with me forever.  I have met some of the most amazing people in the world and have made some of my best friends while being here for the past four years.  My social life would have never been the same if I had never met you all.  My experiences here have gone above and beyond what I could have ever imagined and I can’t believe I will be leaving everything behind once I leave here. Unfortunately, the majority of my friends here live in Minnesota and I may not ever see some of them again, but the good times and memories made will always be a constant reminder of the amazing times we all had here.  Thank you for making my experiences here absolutely incredible.

Now to all of my softball friends, teammates, and coaches … Where do I even begin?! ‘College would not have been the same if I hadn’t had the opportunity to participate in one of the schools most well-respected teams.  It has given me the chance to compete in a high level of ball and have a good time while doing it. It has also taught me a lot about responsibility and time management, not only on the field but in the classroom, too.  These valuable tools will continue with me assisting me in my future career and in life overall.  I would like to say thank you to Coach Miller and Coach Bray.  No matter what, you two have never given up on me and have always given me the opportunity to play ball on your team.  It has been a rollercoaster over the past four years, but it has developed me into the person I am now and have always wanted to be.  Miller … I’m never going to forget all the dancing you did at practice and before games to not only give us a laugh but to get up pumped up to play.  “Pop, Lock, and Drop It” will always stay with me!  Coach Carolyn … I’m never going to forget the great times we have had together and I greatly appreciate all you have done for me in the past two years; you are my biggest supporter here at Mary’s.  But it is because of you that we almost died it California.  “What do I do! What do I do guys!?” (As the 12 packer van almost takes out a small BMW and a highway poll).  It was definitely an adventure every time we stepped foot in that white van; but well worth the good laughs.  Jill, Z, Kelly, and Lulu… You all are amazing softball players and have given me tons of good laughs this year.  You are all hard-working and dedicated players and will be very successful throughout your four years here!  Maddy … You definitely need to come with a warning when you step into the cage! HaHa I’m just kidding.  It’s been great catching and hanging out with you this year.  You have made so much progress throughout the year! Keep up the good work.  JJ … Thanks for all the great artwork you have given me this year.  You are always looking out for everyone else no matter what happens to you! Good luck next year no matter where you end up.  Angie … Thanks for always being a great teammate.  I know I can always talk to you about anything! Good luck with the next two years and take care of those shins!  Herberg … You’re such a great player and so fast around those bases. We’ve had many good times together in the past few years and I’m sure I’ll see you around in Chicago.  Hanna … You have been such a great friend the past two years and an amazing softball player.  All the good times we’ve had will never be forgotten.  I will truly miss you next year.  Good luck with ball and school and you better come down to visit me some time!  Steph and Grobe … Although you two come off to be very quiet, you still gave me many laughs this year.  Steph, you are probably the only person I know that loves to run as much as you do; keep it up!  Pulvy … I had so much fun catching next to you this year.  Being in the cage would have never been the same if we didn’t get to squat and sing songs while doing it. (Oh, yeah, and arguing about what is a ball and strike!)  Cassie … You are one of the best players I have ever watched play this game.  You are incredibly fast and knowledgeable about the game.  You are extremely dedicated and will be very successful in life.  Bood … Through everything that has happened these last three years, I’m happy everything turned out for the best.  Good luck with your internship this summer and with ball next year.  I know you will do great!  McGraw … It’s been fun playing with you for the past three years, even though you don’t talk that much.  You are a great player and very fast on the bases.  Fitz …After two years of catching for you I can see how much you have truly improved.  You led our team this year on the field and did a great job.  Your witty personality always keeps me on my toes and I appreciate that!  Thesing … I’m glad we became such good friends this year.  Your positive attitude and fun personality has kept me going this year.  I’ll miss you next year so you better come and visit me in the Chi!  E … You are a great player overall and have been very dedicated to pitching the past three years.  Good luck in all you do next year and years to come.  Lastly … Balls, Sharpe, and Mal … You guys are truly my best friends here.  All the good times we have shared together from all the stupid games to just hanging out and watching movies.  All the ghost hunting experiences and then watching them over and over insisting that we have found something.  None of this would have been the same without you guys.  Sharpe … Hopefully your knee will get better soon so you can actually play, because I’m sure you’re an amazing player.  Balls … I’m so glad you came here this year —  you have made such an impact on this team that without you we may not have done as well.  I know for sure I will be seeing you two this summer and for years to come.  Have fun next year! (Maybe I’ll fail so I can stay one more year!) 

Mal (Your Dad) … You are an amazing first baseman and pitcher and with a lot of hard work you will be on the top.  Your personality is of that that I have never seen before.  No matter what the situation you always come up with something funny to say and I love it! Thanks for making this year so good!

Thank you again to everyone for making my experience here at Saint Mary’s exceptional.  I will truly miss each and every one of you who had some impact on my life. GO CARDINALS!