Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

At home, there is a picture of me on the fridge. It was taken after my first soccer game.  I am around the age of five, my hair is going in every direction possible, my jersey is so long you can’t even see my shorts and my face is covered in dirt.   The expression on my face is priceless in a “Mom, are you really taking a picture of me right now?!?!” sort of way.  I now look at myself, now a senior in college.  I have come a long way from that girl on the fridge.

When I came to school here at Saint Mary’s, I didn’t even know if I wanted to play sports at the college level.  I was intimidated by the other girls, and from being so far from home. My three-year soccer career here has become one of the best decisions I have made in my life.  It has been a privilege to play at this level.  I have met people and traveled places that wouldn’t have been possible without soccer.  My family, team and coaches have taught me more about myself, life and the game than I could ever imagine. 

I would first like to thank my parents.  Thank you for all your support throughout my life. You have traveled many miles to be at my games, to cheer me on. Over the past few years, I have faced many challenges. Every time I wanted to quit, something you have told me to stick with it and give it my all. That is some of the best advice you have ever given me. I couldn’t have asked for better parents.  I admire you as people and I am lucky to have you as a big part of my life.  I love you!

To Brian, thank you for being the best brother a little sister could ask for. If it weren’t for you, I would have never started playing soccer.  I will never forget the mini soccer tournaments we would have in our basement, or the amount of things we have broken (sorry Mom and Dad) by playing a game we love.  Thank you for being there when I needed encouragement.  You have been a major role model to me in my life.  I couldn’t have made it this far without you. Love Ba Dee Sauce.

To my team:  It has been a pleasure playing with you.  I couldn’t have asked for a better team.  You are all so unique and everyone brings such diversity to the field.  You are my second family away from home.  Freshmen (Ellie, Amanda, Caitlyn, Emily, Ashley, Rachel and Kelsey) thank you for a great year.  I am so glad you have become a part of this team.  This team wouldn’t be the same without you.  My advice to you is to enjoy your time at Saint Mary’s and make the most of the next four years.  It goes by faster than you think.  Sophomores (Angie, Tania, Marie, Molly, Kelsey, Amy and Erin) thank you for your positive attitudes and fulfillment to this team.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to play with you.  Juniors, (Mazzuca, Mariana, Canada, Dana and Marnocha) you are the glue to this team.  You keep everything together and are big leaders.  I love your tenacity and spunk. I will miss playing with you.

To the seniors (Mess, Paulson, Kaufmann, Berg) what can I say?!? I am speechless in my gratitude to you in making these past three years worthwhile. Mess, I love your optimism.  You are a smart player and always give advice to other players so they can improve their play.  That is a great quality.   Paulson, I admire your courage and I will miss your wonderful personality.  I am also going to miss your sense of humor on and off the field. I’ll never forget the wonderful experiences we have shared abroad and on campus. I still have James Morrison Undiscovered in my head from finals in Italy.  Kaufmann, I love your determination.  You always give 100% no matter what the circumstances are. I believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to.  Berg, I am so glad we are rooming together this year. I admire of your sense of who you are and what direction you want to take your life.  I know you will be successful.  I am going to miss those crazy legs and your magnetic headers. You are such a strong player. 

Coaches, Zimmerman and Halberg, thank you for three great years of soccer.  I know at times we have had our differences, but I appreciate you pushing me to be the best player I could be.  You taught me to play the game with heart and dignity. Zimmerman, I know it is not easy coming in to a new coaching position.  You have helped me on and off the field not only as an athlete but as a person.  Thank you for all your encouragement.  Halberg, it has been a privilege playing for you.  Thank you for giving me an opportunity to play a sport that touches my heart.  I am going to miss your stories and enthusiasm.

Last but not least I want to thank God.  Without faith, I could not be as strong as I am today.  It has gotten me through the toughest of times in my life.  It is a part of who I am and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Although my journey here at Saint Mary’s is coming to an end, it has made a lasting impression on me. It has helped shape me into the person I am today, this is truly a special place. Thank you to everyone that has been a part of it.  Go Cardinals!