Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

WOW, has time flown by! Believe it or not, I started compiling this Senior Salute all the way back in November of 2008.  I thought about it while I was driving, when I was in the shower, and last but not least, in Botzo class. I was always better at being an athlete-student rather than student-athlete ?! I just could not help it; softball was far more entertaining then sitting in class doodling everyday! Alright, back to the point, I LOVE SMU SOFTBALL. The past senior salutes that I have read have both inspired me and made me sad. My goal is to inspire but also remind you why you play softball at SMU. 

I was/am an athlete that always wanted to one-up myself from my performance the day before.  That did not always happen, but the times it did it turned out to be the best days of my life.  After playing softball, for the past 22 years of my life, I now understand that there will never be a perfect 100% performance.  If I would have realized that 15 years ago, it would have saved me a lot of tears and angry feelings towards myself!  Nevertheless, believing that I could perform 100% is what has kept me going over the years. 

Every game that I have played in, I learned something new about me or about my teammates. The best part about softball is that you can always be better and do better things from learning from your mistakes. And that is something to keep in mind after this year’s season. The best thing about our team this year is that we always trusted and believed in the person standing next to us.  This past season has proved that by having the most talent in the conference sure is not enough to win the National Title.  I looked at it in two ways: one that really sucks and two just think how far the team is going to go next year. The players below me have the best attitude and the most skill in the world to be the next national champs. I cannot wait until I get to follow them to the national tournament that will hopefully be somewhere warm!

To all of my Saint Mary’s coaches. Coach Fennern- Thanks for getting me to come to SMU although it proved difficult for you at times! Thanks for giving me the ability to play under such an intelligent and focused coach.  I admire the work that you did for our team my first year.  I always knew you were going to have another baby years ago. Remember when the girls came home asking when you were going to have another baby and that Bood told them that you were going to, and baby #3 was not even on the way yet! That sure was funny! Jamie-Thanks for your dedication to make SMU softball the strongest and hardest working team on campus.  Waking up for 6:30 a.m. workouts were tough for us, but I cannot even imagine what they were like for you! Thanks for making me as strong as I am!  Michele- Thanks for breaking down everyone’s hitting and teaching them the things they need to improve on. Donny- thanks for writing all of our write-ups for our games! I enjoyed Tucson with you this year a lot!! You sure know how to deliver! Ambjor- My coach and my trainer, geez your distinct laugh is heard miles away! Thanks for keeping me on the field through all of my “injuries” and taking care of me! I am sure going to miss our ankle taping conversations and our stretching moments! You are wonderful at what you do and all of your hard work is truly respected by us athletes.  CBray-You Gotta Leave the Light on and Pocket Full of Sunshine! You are my favorite highway 61 hitchhiker! Thanks for your dedication to our team with scouting other teams and driving from Red Wing everyday!   You are amazing with the DP/Flex rule and know every rule in the book. Your passion for softball is indescribable and your drive to make us better everyday is irreplaceable.  Mills/Millalicious-Duck-a-Duck-a-Duck-a- Duck-a! Thanks for working your butt off to keep the field in perfect shape and getting the field ready before games.  You are the FIELD PERFECTIONIST! You crack a pretty funny joke at times which makes it hard to keep a straight face.  You are the best haunted forest announcer on the planet!  Thanks for always pushing me harder to do better at school and on the field.  I am really going to miss our talks in your office with the chocolates and mountain dew.

This year’s freshman class was my favorite freshman class of all time.  There is so much speed and spunk within all of the newbies it is ridiculous! Sam-I am sorry about that bruise on your leg that stayed for like EVER.  Keep working hard at outfield and please never wear those 80’s basketball shorts again to practice!  Bre-You have improved so much over this year it is incredible.  Keep running and staying quick and you will be a great base runner!  Tuglet- You sure have a lot to say! Keep up your positive attitude and work ethic! Next year, try not to slip on ice or on the cone during conditioning! Rachel- The person who I give the best personality award to! You are hilarious and are such a joy to hang around!! I love your perspective on different things and can always count on you to make me smile! Amanda- the way you say Bood, pronounced “beuuud,” after every comment towards me just makes me giggle. Your stories really kept me going on the bus rides, especially the one about you hitting the 500-pound pig! Keep up the hard work at catching and start calling those close pitches for the hitters and not the pitchers! It might save a couple arguments or dirty looks! Morgs- For red dry eyes…choose clear eyes! My first throwing buddy of the season. For being so little, you really surprised me with how are you throw the ball! I love our little hand gesture that we share with the wiggling fingers and smooth pull away! Get that finger healed and you will be a great asset to the team next year! And I will always be your Officer Boody! Krista- The best bookkeeper on the planet! Thanks for always putting up with everyone’s flak about the stats! You did a great job this season and hopefully you will be ready to roll next year! Kristy-When I think about you, all I can do is envision your high practice pants and high shorts with your shirt tucked in perfectly!  Thanks for pitching to us in practice all of the time! Nicole-You sure are a great athlete.  You have definitely impressed me with your hitting ability this year.  Keep up your concentration and drive and you will ROCK in your next couple of years here.   I am sorry that some conversations about bodily functions disgusted you at times but in time I am sure you will get used to it! Erika- You are my little volleyball player.  For being so dang tiny you are built woman! I really enjoyed getting to know you this year and pushing you around!  I know you still think that you could take me, but I am sorry that will never happen! I am going to miss you a lot next year!

To the most outspoken, exhausting and talented group of athletes, the sophomores.  All of you are amazing at your job for the team and sure know how to have a great time! Jill-You are the most upfront person that I have ever met.  It is a good thing because I love our comments back and forth to each other at times.  My glove will miss your glove and remember it is ok to yell at your arm alone next year. Good luck with your future in corrections. Mads- MY TRAVEL BUDDY and my Rey-Reayerroo! You have the most contagious smile and I love that about you.  Your ball moves so much when you are pitching that at times I know it fools every batter! I am sorry that I scarred you for life…if you ever want me to tattoo my name on your leg just let me know and I think we can arrange it. I cannot wait for you to show me your dance moves again at my wedding! Mlall-There is one thing I know for sure, when playing catch phrase I never want you on my team.  Who mistakes blader-dash for balderdash or thinks that Obama was a prisoner of war? You sure kept me smiling with all of your random comments! Keep up your outside pitch, it rocks! Jaci-I hate your screw ball period. You are an inspiration for Eden and for your other teammates.  Keep the intensity going when you start your games and you will pitch wiked! Josephine- You are one person that I would never want to meet in a dark alley without any weapons. And if we were in the same dark alley, I hope that you were on my side! You always have your friends back and that is the best thing about you. You would do anything for anyone and that is why I admire you so much.  Thanks for always picking me up when I am down and remember you will never meet your 100% performance every game. Softball is the best game to play because you are still a legend when you fail two out of the three times.  You are a wall behind home plate and you are the best other C on the field! Kellie Marie Simons- My favorite 3rd baseman ever! You are the person on the field that I can count on to make the most the plays. You are a very solid athlete and your work ethic is incredible.  You have great team spirit and your charisma is contagious. When I pick up your crazy kids on the street, I will let them call you from the squad car after their couple of hours in jail! Balls- 45 minutes…ugh! You are the best CD maker on the planet! You are one of the top athletes that has come through Saint Mary’s in years. Your strive to field better and hit better is infectious.  Our long talks over the phone and our long video taped Dr. Phil sessions will never be forgotten. I am glad you decided to transfer to SMU, our team would not be the same without you. Shlarpe- Remember that one time? Sharpe…how does a boy dance? You just make me laugh all the time. Between your cameraman skills, Lexi, your lunch lady hair, your dance moves, and your falling over at the warning track, I cannot help but just laugh at you! You are the most genuine person that I have ever met. You care about your friends and their feelings and that is what makes you such a great friend.  You have an amazing arm and a picture perfect swing!! Keep up the hard work and every pitch will be over the fence. I am sorry for breaking your knee in your first captains’ practice with us in 2007. I admire your determination to get back on the field after such a difficult surgery.  I will never be able to forget how you introduce yourself in your voice, “Hi, My name is Jessica Sharpe, I’m a sophomore and I play outfield!”

To the infamous upperclassman.  Ang-I have thoroughly enjoyed waking up to you every tues/thurs for our 7:45am class! Although you are always watching me walk in minutes late everyday! Good luck with everything in corrections and during your senior year!! Kick some butt!! Hanna-“CHEWCOCK.” Who would have ever thought that we would be on the same team playing together 10 years after 12-and-under? Keep representing Rosemount and keep a smile on that face! And do not forget, you will always have your keys whether you are aware of it or not.  Cas-These past 4 years have been filled with many ups and some downs.  We are the last two standing seniors and I would not want anyone else here other than you.  You are always positive and keep the teams heads up.  You can bunt the ball like crazy and are ridiculously fast! Good luck with everything next year!

My message to you all, is stick with it.  Stick with hitting everyday.  Stick with throwing everyday.  Stick with your mental training. STICK with being a Saint Mary’s athlete. Being an athlete is not about being the star of your team, or being the player with the most hits or the pitcher with the least hits.  It is about doing your job for the team.  Whatever it may be, work your butt off because you never know when you may never be able to do it again. All 21 of you are amazing people and thanks for making my senior year memorable!

To the most important people in the world: my family.  Each and every one of you have impacted my life in more ways than you can imagine.  To my extended friends and family, thanks for always driving to my games and supporting me in everything that I do.  Mariana-You are by far the most amazing person that I have ever met.  You truly want the best for everyone and would do anything for any of your friends. Your leadership is remarkable and I know you will go far someday! To the most caring and thoughtful person, I love you Mari! Tara Lynn Close- It all started back in my senior year of high school when Fennern assigned you and Wally to take care of me on my visit to SMU.  Who would have ever thought what would be to come? Thanks for breaking your thumb my freshman year and giving me center field.  That meant a lot!! You fit in at first base better anyways! You know the techniques of softball down to a T, and the girls on this team really look to you for advice.  You have given me a new outlook on life and I am sure glad you are a huge part of it.  You are a very special person to me and I love you with all of my heart!

Grams and Gramps, you have followed me from California, Florida, Arizona and not to mention all of the cities in Minnesota. Gramps, thanks for keeping track of all of my stats and always trying to pick me up after a rough game.  Grams, thanks for always coming out to my games and making sure I am fully hydrated.  You always look so cute with your little bow and umbrella in the stands.  You two are the best example of a perfect pair of grandparents.

To my sister and brother-in-law, Am and Chris.  Chris you always make it to the games you can with your busy schedule.  You know what it is like to be an athlete, which makes it really easy for us to relate to each other.  I never had a brother, nor did I ever want one(ha ha), but I am sure happy that you came in to our lives.  I mean if it wasn’t for me, you would have never proposed to my sister in California on a Gondola ride ?!  You are my brother and although sometimes I want to beat you up, I still love ya.  To my sister, I sure do love you a lot.  Growing up we sure were opposite people.  The past few years we have developed one of the strongest bonds any sibling could ask for.  You are my number one supporter and are my backbone.  You also are the best cheerleader, not just for me, but for the team as well. You are the most thoughtful person with the most incredible personality.  Thanks and Love you lots sis, 3 kisses!

To my parents, Diane and Lowell. You both have sacrificed so much for me to play the sport that I love. You both would do anything to watch me succeed and that is one of the many things that makes you amazing parents.  Every time I put a uniform on, I think about you guys and how much you have impacted my softball career.  My favorite thing is to watch you during the National Anthem (besides the flag), and see the nerves going through your bodies as much as they are going through mine. Dad, thanks for always taking me out back and making me hit apples from our apple trees with that darn thin wiffle bat. As mush as I hated getting apple juice all over me, you assured me that it was a good thing to be covered in apple juice because that means I was making great contact with the apple! Mom, thanks for always trying to put me in positive mood after a rough day and always keeping me in a great mood after a great day! You both are incredible role models not just for me but for my friends as well. I would have never gotten to this point in my life without you two.  I owe everything that I have done to you mom and dad. You are the prime example of what two parents should be and I am truly lucky to have you two as my parents. I love you lots!! Bye love you bye!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years here at SMU and cannot imagine what my life would be like with out all of you important people.  Thanks for everything that you all have done and thanks for everything that you will do in the future.  When I pull your over in my cop car, just assure me that you were a player/parent/relative of someone I know and I will be sure to let you off the hook! 

I love you all very much and as my dad would say, “And I’ll see ya tomorrow night!”