Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

A little over four years ago, I hadn’t even heard of Saint Mary’s University.  Now, it is a place filled with memories and friends, a place I call home.  I initially came to SMU to play soccer, but I stayed for the people – my teammates, coaches, and friends.  I guess my college soccer career can easily be summed up in one word: Unlucky.  I have battled through several injuries and likely spent more time sidelined than healthy.  I was told by many that maybe it was time to give it up.  But I would rather spend my time banged up playing the game that I love surrounded by some of the best the people in the world. 
   
There are many people I need to thank for helping and loving me along the way.  First and most importantly is my family.  My parents and brother have been my number one fans my whole life.  Thank you for being there to comfort me after hard losses and celebrate the big wins.  Dad, you are my favorite person in the whole world.  Thank you for all of the hours spent in the backyard playing sports.  You gave me my passion for sports and competition.  Play hard and have fun, right? I think I’ve done both.  Mom, you have been so supportive over the years.  Thank you for driving me to soccer tournaments early in the morning, making sure I had plenty of snacks, and cheering loud.  You may not have been the one to teach me to kick a ball, but I couldn’t have done any of this with out you.  And Zach, you have been my main competition over the years and I thank you for making me tougher and stronger.  I know that you are way bigger than me now, but I still think that your big sister could take you! I’d also like to thank my cousin MJ who has been like my big sister and Emily Hladik who has always been a great mentor and friend.  Thank you to my second (and third and fourth) families — the Paulsons, Kaufmanns, and Winklers, whose support and love are so very much appreciated. 
   
I can point to one person that influenced my decision to attend SMU and play soccer, and he deserves a world of thanks.  Coach Guinn, thank you for driving hours to see me play and your persistent phone calls and letters. You made me a better keeper and person.  I would not be here if it wasn’t for you.  Coach Halberg, you have been a constant for us throughout all of the coaching changes.  You have been a great teacher and motivator.  Thank you for your enthusiasm, humor, and dedication. Coach Zimmermann, I know that our record this year may not show it, but you are doing a fantastic job.  You care so much about the team and the game of soccer.  Don’t lose that passion because that is what winning, and more importantly, having fun is based on. 
   
My fellow seniors, we’ve had quite a journey! Kaufmann and Paulson, you were my first friends here.  We’ve been through tough times and hilarious moments.  I could not ask for better friends to be by my side through either.  Kaufs, you and I have been in the same injury prone boat, but I admire the way you work hard and care so deeply about this great game.  “Paulson, why don’t you do something that helps the team?!?!”  If Guinn could see you now he would see what an amazing and reliable player and leader you have become for this team.  Berg, you constantly inspire me.  You lead by example and have always been the most consistent player on the field. I swear your head has some sort of ball magnet in it. I will miss your humorous comments that very few get to hear.  O’Keefe, it has been a pleasure sharing the field with you.  You are always so positive and hard working.  And although they didn’t play this season, I can’t forget Nadia and Michele.  I have missed you two making the opposing forwards’ lives hell.  Mostly I have just missed you making me laugh. 
   
To the juniors, I am sad our time together is ending.  Dana, we’ve been teammates and friends since middle school.  I’d like to think that we’ve come a long way from our days of dancing in the rain in funny outfits, but let’s face it – we still do that.  You are one of the team’s greatest assets and still have the honor of scoring the greatest goal ever scored on me (even though we were on the same team).  Congrats! Steph, I am so glad we have become so close.  Keep providing your great leadership on and off the field.  Mariana, my training amigo! Your energy and spirit are unmatched.  You make even the tough keeper workouts entertaining.  Keirra, you amaze me every time you step on the field.  Don’t lose your heart and passion – it makes you even greater.  Mazucca, I’m so glad you are a part of this team and my crazy friend - I love you more!
   
Sophomores, it’s your turn to step up! Sibik, I am impressed by your skill and your drive.  Kelsey, we’ve got that keeper bond so you already know how much I love you.  Tonya, I am so proud of the player you have become - keep up the good work.  Marie, it’s been nice having another die hard Packer fan around! Molly, thank you for your tough attitude and hard work.  Angie, I absolutely love seeing you win balls from girls practically twice your size! Finally, Erin: What can I say except that I love you, buddy!
   
To the freshmen: You are such a talented group of girls and probably my favorite incoming class.  I am sad that we won’t have more time together because you all have been so much fun.  Work hard, have fun, and cherish each moment: it is over before you know it. 
   
To my past teammates — Kendra, Tlougan, Maddie, Duffey, Baggio, Krumpy, and JJ:  I miss you girls so much.  Thank you for being great teammates and friends. I look forward to our alumni team domination next fall.  JJ you taught me so much and for that I am so very grateful.  You are one of my best friends and I can’t wait until you come home.  Alabama is too far away!
   
I also need to thank the athletic training staff, especially Ambjor.  I tried to avoid you as much as possible because you usually told me “no, you can’t play!” As much as I hated that, you helped me come back from surgeries, broken bones and staples.  Thank you. 
   
Carol, T, Kels, and E, you are great SMU soccer fans and my best friends. Thank you for always being there for me.  And to Lee: Thank you for coming to my games, listening to my frustrations, tolerating my busy schedule during the season, and being there for me during back surgery.  Your love and support has made all the difference. 
   
It is difficult to put four years into just a few pages (which is probably why this is getting so long … sorry).  Because of SMU soccer, I have experienced things that few people get to.  We traveled to Ireland to play the Northern Ireland National team and experienced a whole different world together.  We survived pre-seasons in the hot August weather.  We flew in airplanes over Winona and paddled the Mississippi.  Mostly, I have experienced a connection that only teammates can have.  I don’t look at my career in terms of wins and losses, playing time, or injuries.  As I look back on my four years as a member of the Saint Mary’s women’s soccer team, I see my teammates and friends - the girls that I fell in love with and made it too hard for me to quit.  Thank you for pushing me to be better, the side aches from laugher, weird dinner conversations, turning long bus rides into enjoyable ones, crazy nights and most of all lifelong friendships.  I will miss being your teammate, but I will always be your friend.