Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

When I decided four years ago to come to Saint Mary’s to become a Cardinals women’s basketball player, I never could have envisioned the trials and triumphs that lay ahead.  I have never been a fan of amusement park rides, but little did I know that I was about to board the largest roller coaster of my life.  From transitioning through three coaches and facing the adversity our team experienced this season to using a 60-point swing to beat St. Thomas and playing snow football in St. Cloud, these past four years have been interesting. Through it all though, I can honestly say they have been the best four years of my life. If I were given the chance to do it all over again, I would be the first person in line to board the roller coaster once again, as I know stepping off of the court for the final time will be one of the hardest things I will ever have to do.

The first people I want to thank are the three most important people in my life: My parents and my brother Kyle. Dad- I cannot put into words how much it meant to see you in the stands at every game, and to know that you would be there no matter how far you had to drive to get there. Thanks for everything. Mom- thanks for always being there to support me and give me the best pre-game and post-game advice. It was comforting to know that I could call you at anytime and you would be there to listen, and I will always remember to “believe.” Kyle- thanks for sitting through a countless number of basketball games, and supporting me over the years.  It has meant a lot to me to look up in the stands and see you sitting there supporting the team.  Also, I will never forget the game when you knew the play “Iowa” better than our opponents did. 

Coach Stimmel- thank you for turning the program around by believing in each person and putting the team in the best position to win.  You taught me what it meant to be a point guard, and made us better basketball players by showing us what can be accomplished by working as a team.

Coach Pearson- thanks for believing in us each and every time we stepped on the court, and instilling the confidence in us to be the best players we can be.  It was great having a coach that loves the game of basketball as much as you do, and I am excited to see the Cardinal program reach new heights in the next couple of years.

Coach Hall- thanks for pushing us hard so that we are always improving, and for believing in us.  Coach Ehlert- thanks for being that positive presence we needed.  We are all glad you came here this year, even if you tend to get us in trouble…

Amanda, Becca, Bridget, Christina, Derek, Emily, Erin, John, Lori, Mandy, Maria, Megan, Meghan, Sam, and Sarah- it is impossible for me to put into words how much your support has meant to me.  I cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedules to come and watch the team play.  It was always great to see (and hear) you guys in the stands (although I still don’t know about those shirts..ha)!

Jess & Kelly- this season wasn’t the same without you two. I missed playing with you, as you are two of the most competitive people I have ever met and it was awesome playing with people who cared so much. Also, a piece of the team was missing without Sylvia around..ha!

Seniors- the past four seasons have been filled with many memories which include: practicing for hours on our dance moves, creating cakes & glasses, borrowing from Taco John’s, trying to find a McDonald’s in Italy, bugging 6’1’’ with peanut butter, and finally earning our travel bags.     

Danielle-you are the most caring individual I have ever met and it takes a strong person to continue playing through all of the pain you are experiencing.  I am so glad I got to play with you the past four years, and now we have to start making millions so we can own the Twins someday. How is that stadium coming along again??

Alyse-I don’t think I have laughed harder than when I am around you.  The intensity you brought to the team was priceless, and you were always great at being the first player to touch the backboard..ha!

Returners: while our record hasn’t been great the past two seasons, it wasn’t because of a lack of heart, desire, or effort.  I wouldn’t have wanted to play with anybody else the past two seasons, and I know the future of the Cardinals program is in good hands.

Allyson-it was great talking to someone who knows so much about the game of basketball.  You are one of the toughest people I know, and I have no doubt we will see you on the court once again. Kim (nickname: Kim)- you are the epitome of a team player, and your positivity and toughness are unmatched.  Who else would continue to play through five different casts? Remember to stay confident! Just one question: Skittles over sprinting?? Cherie- I am so glad I had the opportunity to play with you for the past two years, as it has been awesome watching you become the player you are today.  You don’t even have to lie, you know you’ll miss me…and guess what I heard? Jess- you are one talented basketball player. I can honestly say I will not miss guarding you, but I will miss seeing the J Mills show! One piece of advice: lose the pecan..ha! Jesa- you would think that after two seasons together we would have the art of the high-five down by now..haha..keep hitting those threes! Amy (or should I say Jared?)- my ears are still ringing from those painful songs on the bus!

Freshmen: I am so glad I got to play a season with each of you; the only disappointment being that is was for only one season.  You are all great people, and your class has so much potential.  If you all stick together over the next three years, other teams better watch out because you will be a force to be reckoned with.

Michigan- eartha, really? You are one heck of a basketball player and I am excited to see the damage you will do to the competition in the coming years.  Kristen- you bring a great amount of energy to this team-keep it up and stay confident because your time will come. Kelsey-so I was thinking next game that we should ride stilts back to campus...what do you think? Sarah-never change! You are the most genuine person I have ever met, and it is awesome for this program. Jenny (Jo-Ann)-keep working hard and the other post players in the conference better watch out! Emily-I will miss your sarcastic comments and remember to not go on the bluff climbs next year, as we don’t want you to miss tennis! Brittany- stay confident as you have a great shot, and hitting the rim when we are shooting free throws for sprints is always nice! Princeton- I know you wanted to follow in my footsteps, but the nose really?..jk.. keep working hard and good things will happen. Ashlee- who knew I would be friends with a Falcon?..haha..it will be great to see you out on the court again next year!

Thanks to all of the parents for supporting the team, both on the road and at home, as we all appreciate it! A special thanks to Donny for being our number one fan year after year!

After playing basketball for the past 17 years, it will definitely be a transition to no longer be able to play the game competitively.  I don’t know what I will end up doing after graduation, but I do know I will be better off because I was a Cardinal.  The lessons that I have learned both on and off the court have been invaluable, and I know the friendships I have made will last a lifetime.  The only thing I have lost as a Cardinal is part of my vocabulary, as the words perfection, 60 seconds, and circle will be used only if necessary.  And if I am ever asked for a 7-UP, I will politely decline and ask for a Sprite.

This has been an unforgettable journey, and as it comes to an end I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes. It is from John Walters, the author of a book that was written about the Connecticut women’s basketball team, and I believe it represents everything that is Cardinals basketball.

“I hope, as the years slide past, that they recall all the bends in the river, the moments that rendered the journey, if not one of ultimate triumph, unforgettable all the same.  I hope that they remember being so happy.  And so sad.  That they were, indeed, together.  And I hope they will realize how lucky they were to care about anything this much.”

I for sure will. Together on three …