Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

The past four years have been full of challenges, experiences and memories that will stay with me forever. There are a lot of people that have been there when I needed guidance through the thick and thin; my family, my friends and my teammates. Sometimes I needed a pat on the shoulder and sometimes I needed to keep my head focused in the right direction.

To my family: We’ve certainly seen our differences, but it’s those differences that always pull us closer. Mom: you’ve always been just a phone call away even if sometimes I just needed to vent. But mostly, you’re random phone calls always put a smile on my face (even though I never admitted it to you). Dad: your shared knowledge has helped me grow into the person I am today and the soccer player I’ve come to be. Dre: Not going to lie, two years away from you were way to long for me! But I know that when my turn comes to go over seas I can always expect funny postcards from you in different languages and my own crazy stories to share with you. Todd: thanks for introducing me to this wonderful sport when we were younger. I’ve always looked up to you and have tried to live up to the standards you and Dre have put before me. Grandma and Grandpa – thanks for the inspirations and for being willing to take the two and a half hour drives to see my games even if it means just to turn around and go home.

To my friends: I miss you guys! I know that distance has become an issue these past four years, as we grow as individuals. I don’t know what I would have done without you! Jax: I still remember our mud fights during summer seasons and I still remember the first day we met at soccer day camp. We just keep the good times coming! Squish: what to say to you? So many things come to mind, ha. You’re my suto-little sister. You’ve been through thick and thin with me, and I really don’t know what I would have done without you. Becca: I’ve known you since forever, literally. I thank you for everything you’ve done for me. We’ve been through some great experiences and we always come out on top together, you always pull me through. But most of all; you still go to little kid movies with me. KP: these past four years have been an experience. I’m glad I’ve had you close to share the memories of college. Schounard: I think we’ve created the most chaos, but it was fun along the way. Basic Combat Training: I’m glad that you had my back through those times. We stuck together and are better for it. I would repeat the experience just for the memories and laughs we had. Canada: I miss you like crazy! There are many memories over the past two years that I wouldn’t trade for anything. To Everyone: you all mean a lot to me and I will cherish the memories forever, wherever I go.

To my teammates: Every fall we spend two and a half months with each other for one reason: we love the game we play! It’s crazy how fast we get to know each other in such a short time. You girls are amazing in so many aspects! We’ve come so far this season and I expect nothing less next year! You girls can take this conference and earn a year on our banner. Bring attention to the team and prove to everyone that they underestimate what we can really do. Keep up the hard work and remember to give it everything you got and to leave nothing on the table at the end of the night. Never let anyone think they defeated you; keep your heads up and shoot for the skies.

Thank you, everyone, for everything you’ve done for me; this experience has made me realize not to take the little things or the hardships for granted. It is sometimes easy to overlook those that have pulled you or helped you through until you’re asked to write one of these! You’ve kept me going and kept me on my toes, thank you for keeping me focused on what I needed to do. I am a better person for it today and it has shaped the individual I will be tomorrow.