Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

During my student orientation, I was off with the soccer coaches and players touring the athletic facilities.  My mom went and walked around, by herself, to check out the campus.  During her walk, she walked out the back door of Saint Mary’s Hall near LaSalle and saw the statue that sits out by the fountain.  For some reason, that statue meant something to my mom.  When I met back up with her, she told me that she knew that I was supposed to be at Saint Mary’s.

I loved playing soccer for the Cardinals for the past four years. I had to face a lot of shots in my four years here.  That being said, I would like to thank my defenders for helping me break the season saves record and the career saves record.  That was fun, but in a very bad way.

To the people that I came into the program with--Mike Schmitt, Joey Manley, Kevin Collins, Mark Matyas, John Vik.  I miss those guys and if they were still around, I would tell them how much I enjoyed playing with them.  Michele McQuillan and Nadia Effendi from the women’s team too.  Those girls were awesome and I miss them being around too.  

My coaches … Dembiec, Perrigo, Buchanan.  I enjoyed playing for all of them.  I would like to thank them for everything they’ve done for me and their help and support they’ve given me for my future in soccer.

Off the soccer field …. Everyone that supports us.  Thank you.  We get a lot of support from the hockey players.  Just awesome.  Lincoln, Bohn, Claf, Olie, AJ, Doobs, Carlson, Staehely, Dahl, Shep, Ace, Trev, Miller, Glase, Chase and all the other guys that come out and watch us.  These guys supported us like crazy, especially this year.  We might not have gotten a few of our wins this year if it wasn’t for these guys.  Thanks guys.  

Lincoln has already asked me to be his best man at his wedding and still breaks out in the song singing “we’re the three best friends that anyone could have.”  Every time he does I just say “come on man, you bangin’ my elbows,” or “it’s a piece of junk.”   Love you kid.  You too, Bohn.  I’m still waiting for Lucas to win a wrestling match against you though.    

To the players that I have spent most of my career with here at Saint Mary’s--Lucas Volini, Steve Boussie, Juamaine Venter, Ryan Rademacher, Bryan Neu, Bobby Gas, Jermaine Walker, Jovenel D’Haiti, Andy Adair, Adam Lindsay.  These guys are just sick.  Simple as that.  Doesn’t matter how mad I get at these guys on the field at times- and even more so, off the field-I’ll never forget these kids and all the good times we had on and off the field.  

Bobby Gas … I can’t mention a lot of stuff about you for so many reasons, but you are possibly the strangest kid I have ever played soccer with.  But I love it.  And … you’re beautiful    

Bryan Neu … Michael Jackson, “Will you be there” … enough said.

Jermaine … won’t forget when you shot me with that pellet gun freshmen year.  Ouch man. Juvi … they are who we thought they were!  And we let them off the hook! Adair … why’d you wanna play college hockey? Lindsay … I got nothing

My roommates … Luc, Bous, Rad, Jua.   I’ve known Lucas since I was nine years old and I would never have guessed that I would go to college with Luc and live with him for four years.  Luc, You’re my best friend kid.  Love ya.  Boussie…I’ll never forget when you woke up in my room screaming for a stapler and a brown paper bag.  I still don’t think we know what either statement really meant but that was great.  Jua, take it easy…..you’re on third street.  Rad, I’ll never forget when you rolled up to the back of St. Joe’s with your t-shirt tucked into your boxers.  Absolutely hilarious.  All four of you, you guys are my boys.  Love you guys to death.  

My family … Mom, Dad, Dave, Bill.  My family supports me and my soccer career in so many ways and I thank them for that.  I love you guys.  

Mom, I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me and my career.  You have always been my biggest fan and I love you for that.  I know you miss watching me play hockey, but I wouldn’t trade anything for when I see you at one of my soccer games.  Love you Mom.  Dad, during my college career, you have probably bought me close to ten pairs of spikes, and thirty pairs of goalie gloves.  I wouldn’t have a lot if it weren’t you for you and I want to say thank you for everything you have done for me and my career.  My love for soccer goes all the way back to when Lucas and I were just ten years old on the Hoffman Predators and you coached us like we were already college players.  My two brothers never really get to see me play but I know my brothers support me and my career as much as anyone.  My entire family, you have helped me become who I am today on and off the soccer field.   I love you and thank you for everything.

I am going to miss Saint Mary’s and all the people that I have met during my time here.  I wouldn’t take anything back that I have done in the past four years.

PEACE … I’M OUTTA HERE!