Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

? Ohhhhhh AMERICA, my home and native land ? …

Wait, that’s not right…Wow, I’ve been here for four years, that’s about 80 soccer games, and about 80 times the American national anthem has played and I still don’t know all the words. I guess that’s how you really know that I could never let go of my true Canadian roots. Who ever would have thought that a little old Canadian like myself would ever end up in a small middle of nowhere town like Winona, Minnesota?

Some of you may have wondered how I even heard about SMU and what exactly it was that brought me here. To tell you the truth I had no idea what or where Saint Mary’s, Winona or Minnesota even was, all I knew was that it is just about as cold as Canada if not colder. Coach Tony Guinn came to Canada on a hunt for some Canadians to bring back with him to play soccer at Saint Mary’s. He randomly found me practicing with another team one night and from there would not leave me alone. It was phone call after phone call, letter after letter. You name it he did it. He did everything he could to get to me to come to Saint Mary’s to play soccer. After much convincing and persuading, Coach Guinn finally got me to come and visit the school and see what Winona would have to offer me. I still remember the day that Paulson and Duffey came with Coach to the airport to pick me up. Neither of them knew what I looked like, nor did I know what they looked like as well. I remember Coach just telling them to look for an athletic-looking girl who looks like she plays soccer.  Instead I looked like random girl looking like a lost puppy dog in the airport, but out of nowhere these two random girls picked me out like a sore thumb. It was a sign that this was the place that I was supposed to be. As soon as I saw Winona and Saint Mary’s, I fell in love not only with the beautiful scenery but the amazing people that I met. If anything the people that I have met here at Saint Mary’s is what has made it so much easier to be so far away from home and kept me coming back to Saint Mary’s. Before I even realized it, the soccer team and the Saint Mary’s community had become my family, and Winona became my home far, far, far, away from home.

First off, I would like to thank my family for everything that they have ever done for me. There is no way that I could have ever come this far and accomplished so much with out their ongoing love and support. Mum and Dad, I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me not only in my soccer career but my whole life in general. Always cheering for me and supporting me in everything I do, and always picking me up and helping me when things got rough. It is because of you two that I know I can face any obstacle that life may throw at me and be able to stand on my own.

Growing up I always remembered waking up excited on Saturday mornings to not watch cartoons, but to sit and watch Saturday morning soccer with my dad. You taught me everything that there is to know about soccer and made me determined to be the best soccer player I can be. You always took the time out of your busy schedules to drive me all around Ontario for tournaments and games even though half the time we would always end up getting lost. You would always drive me to practice at least 3 times a week and sit there for the two hours always encouraging me and giving me advice on how to be better. Also, to my brother Neill, you are my soccer superstar! I followed your footsteps in soccer every way that I could I wanted to be just like you. If it wasn’t for you and your encouragement I would not be where I am today. I can’t thank you enough for just always being there for me and supporting me and pushing me to my limits, you always encouraged me to be better than my best. Mum and dad, you are both such amazing people and each and every day I aspire to become a parent just like you both. I cant imagine how hard it must have been for you both to be so far away from me, and for you, dad, to be four whole years without seeing me playing soccer. Mum, thank you so much for coming to visit me two years in a row for family weekend, I really don’t think you know just how much it meant to me to have you there and for you to meet the other families that took me under their wing when you guys couldn’t be there. I know you both were here in spirit and in my heart and I cant thank you enough for everything. I love you both!   

Jon, I can’t thank you enough for coming to my games as often as you could to support me and the team. I can’t tell you just how much it meant to me to have you there for me at my games, especially when you came as a super fan with your body paint and wig on. What an awesome boyfriend! We have been through a lot these past years and continue to get closer and become stronger together. You have been so supportive and motivating to me. All the pain, sweat, tears, and hard workouts that you would put me through over the years — I’ve loved every single minute of them, even though at the time I did nothing but curse at you. You have helped me to become the player and person that I have always wanted to be. I can’t thank you enough for pushing me and challenging me every way that you could, not only to make me a better player but also a better person. Heike and Joanna, thank you so much for all your love and support over the years. You both have been there for me in so many ways, and have been so supportive coming to my soccer games and cheering me on. You guys are my second family away from home. I can’t thank you enough for taking me in and making me feel right at home. Thank you so much for all the cards, pictures, memories, laughs and moments that we have all shared together, I can’t wait for more to come.

To the Barnhill, Trowbridge, and Linder families I can’t thank you all enough for all the times that you have taken me into your homes and made me feel so welcomed and part of your families. Thank you all for the many times that you have picked me up from the airport and driven me to the airport, I don’t know how I would have done it otherwise without you guys. Thank you so much for your generous hospitality with inviting me over for Thanksgiving dinners and family junctions. You all really made me feel part of your families and made it so much easier for me to be so far away from my own family. Thank you so much for coming to so many of our games and cheering your loudest.  

To the Marnocha and Cole families, thank so much also for being there for me and being so supportive and caring towards me. Seeing you guys in the crowd always made me feel like I had my own parents there cheering for me. Hearing your voices cheering for me would always make me push that much harder to get to the ball, or to make that extra effort to get past an opponent. It meant the world to me to hear you guys cheering me on and I can’t thank you enough for making me feel so loved and at home.  I would just like to thank every family that has taken me in and made me feel a part of their own family when I’m so far away from my own family. Thank you for all of your love and support. You all are such great people and really made me feel right at home here.

Linder  and Brenna, thank you so much for taking me under your wings and being brave enough for taking in the random, weirdo, Canadian freshman. You guys really made me feel so loved and welcomed here in the U.S.A, especially by teaching me the Pledge of Allegiance. You both gave me so much guidance and encouragement; I would have been a lost puppy forever without you two. I am so grateful that we found each other and shared countless memories together. We have been through so much together; I don’t know how I continued on for two years here without you two.  Thank you so much for being such great best friends and always showing your support and love for me. Love you both so much!

Jewski, thank you so much for all you love and support over the years. No matter how busy or stressed you were you always took out time to come to our games and support me and the team with your loud shouting and awesome super-faness. I can’t thank you enough for all the times you’ve helped me to figure out life and encouraged me to not sweat the small things. You are such a caring person who always goes out of their way to help others. I couldn’t have come this far without you, Jewski.   

Jermaine and Dre, the first two freshman soccer boys I met here at SMU, and who helped me to be the tenacious, determined soccer player I am today. You guys made my freshman year quite a blast, so many memories that I always look back on and will never forget. I can’t thank you guys enough for spending countless hours playing soccer with me, teaching me new moves and giving me endless advice to be the best that I can be. Thanks for not taking it easy on me either, you guys both pushed me so hard and I loved it, even if I was on the floor face first after going in for a tackle against you (Jermaine). Thank you both for all the times you were there for me, I will never forget you both.   

T and Coop, I can’t ask for better kids/room mates. Even though you guys always don’t listen to your father and I all the time, we love you no matter what … ha ha ha JK. You two are definitely making my senior year a blast. I love all our memories and laughs we have all shared together. Coop, thanks so much for all of your support, and for coming to our games and cheering us all on. I’m so glad that I met you and continue to get to know you more. p.s. you better tryout for soccer next year punk! T, we’ve been through a lot over these past three years, midnight sledding, movie nights, snowboarding, trombone sounds ha, ha, ha … broken faces (wait that was just me!) lol but regardless I’ve had such a blast with you and can’t wait for more memories to come. Keep working hard, your determination will get you far. I know you won’t take no for an answer and will do anything you can to get where you want to be. Keep it up T, you will get there. You two are the best kids a mother could ever ask for!

To my fellow seniors, we are the last of the Guinn generation and at the end of our road. We have been through so many up and downs over the past 4 years I don’t think I could have done it without you guys along with me. We have accomplished so much together and have been through so much adversity and change that it made our friendships and love for each other grow stronger every year. Dana, I have had so many good times and so many laughs and memories with you over these past four years. The best was when we were coaching our U-11 girls spring team and the ref kicked you off the field for apparently kicking the ball before it went out of bounds. I just remember him going ballistic at you for absolutely nothing. You are such an amazingly skilled soccer player; it was such a pleasure playing with you for these past 4 years. Your dedication and hard work really have shown over the years. I know that with your awesome personality and strong work ethic you are going to go far in your life and be successful doing it. Thank you so much for always being there for me and always being a shoulder to lean on.

Zucca, I know you are not exactly part of the Guinn generation but you were supposed to be if you would have just manned up and played with us freshman year. Just kidding! I’m so happy and grateful that you joined our team and stuck with us through the hard times and your painful injuries. Thank you so much for all the times you have been there for me and have just listened to me and helped me through all the tough times. All the memories and laughs we have shared together I will never forget and can’t wait for more to come. It was also a pleasure to play with you these past three years. I loved watching you dangle girls left and right. I’m pretty sure you’re the best ‘dangler’ and juggler on the team and it made me work just as hard to be just as good as you. You are such a strong, wonderful caring person that I know nothing could ever bring you down or discourage you. Keep staying strong and working hard, nothing can stop you Zucca! p.s. the whole dead Ralph thing on the pumpkin was ALL PEYTON!             

Marnochs, God where do I start with you! It’s like there is so much to say and not enough words to say it all. First and foremost, I couldn’t ask for a better teammate or co-caption to play with for four years. We have been through it all together Steph, and were there for each other no matter what. There is no way I could have done any of this or continued to be so driven without you. I remember freshman year we were scared to death of Coach Guinn, (and Kendra also for that matter) but we stuck it out together and still managed to prove ourselves even though we were the scared little freshman. I cant thank you enough for all the times that you have been there for me, been a shoulder for me to lean on and cry on, been there to always comfort me and make me feel so loved and happy, been there to drive me and push me to my limits. You encouraged me so much to be the best I can be, I look up to you so much and aspire so much to be just as caring, loving, determined and hard working as you (even if you let one rip in coaches office JK!). You are such an amazing soccer player who accepts nothing but excellence. You are so skilled and such a smart player, I can’t begin to tell you how much easier you made it for me to play in the midfield with you lol… you kept me in line and didn’t let me stop for anything ( not even to catch my breath when I get winded twice in a game). All the laughs, memories, pain, sweat and tears that we have shared together are things that I am going to cherish forever. You are one of a kind Steph and I am so thankful that I met you and have you in my life. I can’t wait to see where you end up in life, you are so determined I know you will go for and get whatever you want (even if it’s Alaska!) I am looking forward to continue making lasting memories and having lots of laughs. I love you Steph and your amazingly incredible family. (p.s. I still need to meet the broski)

Sandwich, Sanny, Sanchez, Mexico… Jeez, we have been through it all! I can’t even imagine what SMU would be like without you. You are such an essential part of not only Saint Mary’s soccer program, but also the whole SMU community. I don’t think I have ever met such a personable, loving, generous, creative, determined, hard working person in my life. I can’t even imagine where I would be without you San. You have helped me to overcome so many obstacles and hardships in my life, and I can’t thank you enough for your continuing love and support for me. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone that knows me as well as you do. We have had so many memories together, shared so many laughs and tears together I can’t believe it. I love it how we get each other and can make each other laugh so much without ever trying. I hate it how no one else gets our jokes!  You have helped me so much to know myself better, to become a better person, and a better soccer player. You are such a huge part of my life; I would be incomplete without you. I look up to you so much and try my hardest to be as good as you. It always amazes me how your schedule can be so jammed packed and yet you are still able to get everything done and you give it your all. Your abilities on and off the field amaze me.  I can’t even imagine where you are going to end up in the future, you have so many possibilities open to you and I know you can do absolutely anything and everything you want to. I couldn’t have asked for a better goal keeper, better co-captain or a better best friend. I love you San! Can’t wait to get our tattoos of a sandwich and a can soup… bha ha ha ha! “JOAQUIN!”

To the juniors, it is now in your hands to continue to build the program and continue to turn people’s heads when they play us. To the newbies, Francie, Cati and Friedl I am so glad that you guys came out for a real sport this year! Your hard work and determination showed throughout this year. I can’t believe how far you all have come in your game and just how much you have improved and continue to improve. I have had such a blast getting to know you three this year, you guys are a hoot! Francie, I love how no matter what you never give up. Keep working hard bud you’re going to get it and soon enough going to be ripping shots so hard that you’re going to leave holes in the back of the net. WATCH OUT! Cati, I can’t believe the confidence you have gained over this season. You are an awesome goal keeper, and I can’t wait to see you dominate next year. p.s. you’re probably the best frozen t-shirt contestant I have ever seen, you even killed Sanny, and she’s good at everything. Friedl, or should I say negative Nancy lol. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much from your inappropriate comments. Keep up the great attitude and hard work Frieds it’s going to pay off. “One pound, one pan, one happy Friedl!”  Peyton, T, Sibik, and Morgan you guys are now the new leader and the new glue of the team. Keep working hard and keep the going string and connected. Peyton, I love your determination and hard work and your sarcastic dry humor, it’s too bad that you’re an accounting major should have stuck with the bio JK! I don’t think I could have made it through the rough practices without your hilarious comments and the different crazy ways you managed to fall in practice. Sibik, keep dangling and drilling girls left and right, they just don’t know what to do with you. Keep your drive and determination and continue to lead this team to its fullest potential. Morgan, I don’t think I have ever met such a sweet, caring, polite, considerate and innocent soccer player in my life. I love your optimism and determination to do the best you can do. Continue to lead the team on to success.

To the Sophomores, Ellie, Amanda, Schnieds, Ash, Rach, and Brown, its now time to really step up and help to take charge. You guys are going to be a huge core of future teams. Ellie, I love your hard working attitude and how you always strive for perfection and do everything you can to be successful. Keep the fire going, it will pay off. Amanda, you are an amazingly skilled player. Keep that persistent, tenacious attitude of yours and don’t let anything discourage you. Schnieds, I am so glad that you decided to come all the way from Oregon to be a part of our team. You’re a great skilled player with excellent game smarts. It’s been a pleasure to play with you in the middle of the field. Ash, you remind me so much of myself when I see you play and I love it. You don’t take sh** from anyone and you show them whose boss. Keep playing hard and getting those yellows, but not anymore this season because I think you’re almost at 5! Thanks for always being there for me and showing me that you care. Continue to help lead this team to success. Rach, or should I say the next one to be screaming out the “Comete”. You’re going to be wearing the pants of the team from here on out, keep everyone in line and keep them all working hard. Keep up that awesome attitude of your and bring this team to victory. Brown, every year you have amazed me with your hard work and determination to improve. You have improved so much over the years and I can’t wait to see you play and develop more the next two years. Caitlyn, “Did you just squeak?” lol … I can’t thank you enough for always being there for me no matter what. We have been through a lot together and I know there is even more to come. You are an amazing soccer player with a great heart, love and passion for the game; don’t let anyone take that away from you. Keep working hard and playing hard, and be sure to take care of the DOMS when it comes! Love you girl.  

To our one and only freshman, Kate. You’re such an awesome addition to our team, probably the best freshman we have this year! I love your tenacious, optimistic, outgoing attitude and the immense amount of confidence you have. I can definitely see you being a future leader and captain of the team. Stay determined and working hard. You can do it BABY! Lol.

Thank you so much to all of you guys. I know I’ve been up and down many of times and I can’t thank you all enough for caring and always being there for me.  You guys are my family here and I couldn’t have asked for better team mates. Ill never forget all the memories we have all shared together.    

Thank you so much to Ambjor, Mary, Bill and all the other student trainers. I really don’t think I would have been able to play all 4 years if it wasn’t for you guys. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into making sure that we are all 100% ready to go. It is really appreciated.

Thank you Dave Williams for coming out to many of our games and cheering us all on and supporting us. It was great to always see and hear you in the crowd. Thank you for all of your concern and always being there for me helping me out through the difficult times. Thanks for pushing me and encouraging me to always play my best and to forget about everything else.

Coach Guinn, thank you so much for finding me and not giving up on me. If was not for you I never would have came to Saint Mary’s and would never have met these amazing people who have all touched my heart and influenced me in so many ways. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me. You challenged me to be the best, to be a better caring loving person, to always put others before myself. Even though we have only known each other for over a year or so, you have changed my outlook on life and soccer in so many ways. You have influenced me in so many ways and I can’t thank you enough for everything.

Coach Halberg, thank you so much for all of your advice and talks over the years. If there was anything that always made me feel better it was your optimistic quotes and stories that you would share with me. Thank you so much for all your dedication towards the program. It would not be the same without you here. You are like the super glue that holds everything all together.

Coach Zimmerman thank you for all your hard work and determination to make this a winning season for us seniors. You have high goals and high standards for this team and I love it. Keep wanting and accepting nothing but excellence from this team and soon enough we will be in the top 4. Thank you so much for pushing me to my limits and always being there for me to talk and helping me out through the difficult times.

Coach Dembiec, thank you so much for stepping in my sophomore year and coaching us. I learned a lot from you and loved your enthusiasm and passion for the game. p.s. remember that random voicemail left on your phone one night…. Hmmmm…. I wonder who that could have been???

Thank you so much to everyone who has made my college career so amazing. I will never forget any of it or any of you. I am going to carry this experience with me throughout my life. Thank you!