Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Probably my favorite thing about volleyball pertains to one simple idea that is unique to the sport.  It is the one team sport that really emphasizes and relies on the “team” aspect of it.  In fact, the whole concept of the game is basically this “team” idea.  The game teaches you how to rely on someone else and work as a team in order to get the job done.  If I screw up a pass, I have five other people who can redeem me.  I can’t try and fix my mistake by chasing down the ball I just sent flying from a bad pass, for I’m not allowed to touch the ball twice in a row.  What does this mean?  It means that a volleyball team, especially my team, is exactly like family to me.  No matter how bad I’ve made a mistake, they’ve always had my back to resolve it.”

The above is an excerpt from a paper I wrote during my early years at Saint Mary’s.  I chose to enter it into my salute because it describes the importance of volleyball to me.  One thing I am thankful the most for is definitely the sport itself.  Volleyball has taught me to be a team player, a teammate, a team motivator, and a team leader.  Notice how I reiterate “team” in every description.  This is because above all, it has taught me what it means to belong to something that can accomplish things that I can’t possibly do on my own.  It has taught me what it means to rely on and trust someone else to get a job done.  The greatest accomplishments in life are attained never from one person, but from the efforts of a whole group.  If you were to ask me to define myself, I’d have to tell you to look at my volleyball team, because that is truly a big part of who I am.

I would like to thank my teammates.  I wish every teammate I’ve ever had since 5th grade could read this, because really, I’d like to thank them all because each and every one has influenced my life on and off the court.  Some have taught me volleyball skills and others have taught me life skills that I will never forget.  However, I would really like to thank my Saint Mary’s team, because I believe that this is the team that has helped me grow the most.  I have grown up a lot since my first volleyball season at SMU, and I owe much of it to the girls who grew with me.

Enough thanks in the world wouldn’t do right in expressing how thankful and lucky I am to have my mother in my life.  This woman has done so much for me.  I can’t remember one volleyball game in club, grade school, or high school that you ever missed.  You really made an effort to be a part of every team I was on, whether it is chaperoning, sitting in the crazy mom sections, or providing team dinners.  You have done so much for me by not only pushing me to play and be my best, but also by showing me how through your actions.  I am forever grateful for your support and dedication to me and the game.  I love you Mom.

The one person who let me get the best out of volleyball is my father.  This is because he always pushed me to never give up.  This is a concept that rang true since the day I was born.  No matter how many times I would be down, he always managed to talk me into picking my head back up and fighting through.  Although at times I remember hating it, it was through these talks of his that I have learned what a sport, and life, is really all about.  It’s not just about being competitive and winning, but it is because of persistence and effort that makes the two come to life.  By teaching me how to never give up, no matter what happens, I would not be where I am today, nor have the necessary mindset to finish every game that I start in life.  Thanks Daddy, and I love you!

I would also like to thank my sister for supporting me by coming to most of my games.  She also inspired me to become a better player when she took up the sport herself.  This made me want to be a good role model, so she motivated me to work hard and perform my best.  Now, since she is older, I actually look up to her when I watch her play, and I am so proud of the player and person she has become.  You are a great volleyball player, Sarah, and I wish you the best of luck and love to wherever those skills take you next year.

I would also like to thank my role model in life, which is my grandma, Nana.  Without her, I wouldn’t even be here today.  Because of her, I am allowed to be at Saint Mary’s and play on this team.  I owe my entire SMU career to her, including both volleyball and academics, and I am forever thankful to her for all of her support.  I love you Nana!

Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Lester.  Thanks for believing in me, even at times when I didn’t.  Thanks for your love of the game, because it always showed through everything you did for us.  I’ve never met a man who truly loves his job as much as you do, and I am finding that this is a rare and great quality to have, for it made our job that much more easier.  Your knowledge of the game is also impressive, and I was lucky to have you as a guide throughout the last four years of my career.  I also want to thank you for helping me outside of the court, and for pushing me to always perform my best.  I will take that lesson with me to wherever life may take me next.  Thanks, Coach!

I would really like to thank everyone who was a part of my volleyball career, including past coaches, teammates, opponents, friends, family, and whoever else, because really, all of you guys have supported me in some way to be the athlete I am today.   Thank you so much, and I will miss all of you guys!!!