Last year at this time, I was writing what I thought was my final Senior Salute. I never thought I’d be sitting here writing another one. But if there is one thing I’ve learned over this past year is that life’s plans are meant to be altered and changed. My family and friends will be the first to say that I have different plans for my life every day. And although they may call me crazy- I have become a dreamer, which is why I am writing another one of these things! It amazes me how much more you appreciate everything in your life as you get older. When I was younger volleyball meant something totally different to me, it was a way to hang out with my friends, and a way to put off homework. But now, volleyball has taught me so many life lessons, that I have no idea what I would do without it. It’s not just the actual sport that taught me the lessons; it was the people I was surrounded with while I was on the court. My love for the game is what has changed the most, every season, every workout- I realize just how much I love this game; and just how hard it is going to be to walk away from it all.
For those of you who don’t know I’m a senior… (cough).. super senior. I like to refer to it as a more experienced senior! I was all planned to graduate last year, but after finding out I could have another season, I decided to work my tush off for one more year! I told Coach and the trainers that they would have to put up with me for one more season, and I’m not sure how coach felt, but I don’t think Bill was very happy with me! I kept telling him last season just to get me through that season and then I will rest… hahaha well ... needless to say, I’m telling him that again this year! I know deep down inside he’s going to miss my fake smiles, and me answering every question with “I feel great!” Even though he knows I’m lying! Thank you, Bill, for putting up with me all these years and sorry if I ever gave you attitude (which I know I did). It was never anything against you, just never wanted to sit out from the game I love.
Bill isn’t the only one who has influenced my volleyball career. There are so many people that have been a part of it that deserve a thank you. If I were to thank each and every one of you individual, Donny would be printing a separate book just for me! SO if you don’t get a personal paragraph in this salute, you are not forgotten!
The two most influential people on my career, and who deserve more thanks then I will ever be able to give them are my parents. Mom, my volleyball career wouldn’t be what it is today without you as a coach. Some coaches try to tell you how and why to love a sport, but you show it. Your love for the game is contagious — that is why your program succeeds. Because you set the example- like you have done for me my entire life. Dad, I would be the person I am today without you I have been through quite a bit this past year, but you have given me nothing but support. As I get older I think about the parent I hope to be someday, and your it. You have told me that my happiness is what matters. No matter what I have faced in life, you have always been the first person behind me supporting me along the way. Mom and Dad, you both make such an impact on not only me, but everyone around you. You both have taught me what hard work looks like. You not only dedicate your time and energy into your classrooms, but also onto your courts. Every student and athlete you teach is incredibly fortunate. I have never seen either of you half-ass anything, and I know that’s where I get it from. You have both taught me that if you’re going to do something, do it right, and to always put your whole heart in everything you do, otherwise you are wasting your time. And I am so thankful for that.
Ash and Kels, I could never thank you enough for your support. Ash, you and I have always been extreme competitors; we have always competed with each other. Whether it was for attention when we were little, or for a varsity spot in high school, we are always challenging each other. You have pushed me to become a better athlete, I’m so proud of the person you have become, anyone (especially Trent) is lucky to have you in their life. And Kels… oh, Blondie! I have no idea where to start thanking you. You have always seemed older than your age. You are always giving advice and supporting me like an older sister would. Thank-you for supporting me no matter what... I owe you so much for that! I can’t believe you are graduating this year, I am so excited to watch you grow and experience life, I know you’re going to do some pretty amazing things.
To the rest of my very large family, I am so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. You have all been such an amazing support system, I would most definitely not be where I am today without you.
Over the past year, I have lost many people who I thought were friends, but I have learned from it all, which friendships are going to be lifelong ones. And for that I am thankful. Thank you to those of you who have stood by me, without judgment, just constantly supporting me. You are all very special people, there aren’t many people who can do that, and for some reason I was blessed with you in my life. You know who you are, and I will never be able to thank you enough for standing by me.
Browne’s, you have all been so great to me, and I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me into your family with open arms. Matt, I am so lucky to have you in my life. You have taught me to always chase after your dreams. You have shown me what it means to be a strong person, to never sacrifice who you are for anyone or anything. I admire your strength, and your perseverance- you set goals, and you always find a way to reach them. I can only dream of accomplishing mine the way you accomplish yours. I look up to you more than you know, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the both of us.
Volleyball would not be the same without my teammates. You girls are the reason I am still here. Our team is like a family, we have had so many great memories- I wish I could share them all!
Freshies
Lexi and KB, you two couldn’t have been a better addition to our team. KB, you have such a contagious smile- I love it when you get a huge block and you freak out, not because you want to, but because we all want you to! Lexi, oh my gosh, where do I start! You have such an amazing personality. Your voice, your laugh, and even that little thing you do that drives me nuts(you know what it is)- I love it! You both are going to do great things for this program!
Sophomores
Bri and Tara- you both are two very special girls. Bri, when you come back 110% next season, the other teams are going to with you hadn’t! I am feeling some facials coming from you! T-baby, you are one heck of a volleyball player, how you get some of those balls up is beyond me! I will for surely miss your dance moves in the locker room!
Carissa and Caddy- I love you both like little sisters. Carissa, I will forever say “shoot” like you do in the back row! No one will understand it, but I will always think of you when I do it! Caddy, we are going to have to set up some type of regular phone date so we can always keep up with our boy conversations! I’m sure going to miss those!
Margey- You are my little sister, I will always think of you like that. There were very few people who I trusted last year, very few people who I knew would be there for me no matter what, and you are one of those. Thank you SO MUCH of listening to all of my thoughts about god only knows what, you have no idea how much you mean to me! I am so lucky to have you as a friend.
Juniors
Ku and E- You girls are two very special girls to me. KU- you are one heck of a volleyball player- I am so thankful you are on my side of the net! God help those girls who have received a free facial compliments of Amy Kujak. E- You are like a sister to me as well. You and I have always had a really special friendship. And you better know that even if I am far away we will still have phone calls to keep our heart to hearts connected! I cannot thank you enough for being such a great friend.
Seniors
Can you guys believe it’s over? It has been one heck of a ride with all of you. To think back to how much hard work we have put into this program is amazing to me. And I’m so glad that we were all able to come into this together, and leave together as well.
Maters- Just like KU I am so happy I am on your side of the net, and I am so glad I get to set you the ball, instead of getting hit by it!
Welsley- You are not only an amazing person, you are an amazing leader. I admire your hard work and dedication. If I am ever a coach I want all of my athletes to have the heart you do. And don’t worry- I will always be there to rescue you if you need it!
Rachie- Our relationship has most definitely evolved over the years, and I am so thankful for that. I admire the girl, and the person you are. You give some GREAT advice. And I cannot wait to continue this friendship after season- I’m lucky to have a friend like you!
G Money- We are a great team together. We always have each other back on and off the court. You stood by me through a lot; always my trusty sidekick. We have so many great memories and I cannot thank you enough for being there for me! Cannot wait to make some more great memories! I also want to thank G momma for always having us covered at all the tournaments- I don’t know what I would do without you!
Harstad- I am so so so very glad you and I have gotten closer this year. I value our friendship so much. You are such an amazing person through and through. I can’t wait to see what you do with your life; I know it’s going to be amazing! And I can’t wait to have some more EPIC nights with you!
Lindsey- I have absolutely no idea where to begin with saying thanks to you. Our friendship has grown so much from the last time I wrote one of these things. You are my family away from home; we have had our fair share of ups and downs throughout our friendship- like any sisters would. I rely on the fact that you are always honest with me, you’re not afraid to give me your opinion. No matter what it is. Then you always support me, no matter what I do. That’s what best friends do. I have no idea where I would be or what I would do without you. Thank you for all of your love and support- I am so excited for what the future holds for you- and that boy of yours! You both are very special to me. Love you like a sister girlie!
All of you girls have made this year especially memorable. I know you could have all shunned me as the older odd one out! But you didn’t, even though you may make some grandma jokes! You all have accepted me with open arms- I am going to miss you all so very much.
Coach, I’ll thank you again for giving me the opportunity to play for you. You’ve always made me work for it, always challenged me and pushed me to become a better player. And although it may have ticked me off at times, it did push me to be better. Jody and the kids- thank you for giving up your valuable family time to this program. I know what it feels like to have a parent who lives in the gym, and someday you’ll realize all of the great things they have taught you!
Tessa, excuse me, Mrs. Wagnild- thank you for challenging me as well, and always supporting me after. You can read me like a book- no matter how many times I may deny it you do. You’re a great coach, and you’re also a great person. Ross is one lucky man- I know it can’t be easy to have Tessa gone all the time, so thank you for giving up your valuable time with her as well!
Rohdy and Ashley- you both are VERY important to this program. You may not be at every game, or every practice, but we notice when you are gone. Your advice in wisdom allows this program to continue to grow, we are so very lucky to have you.
Donny- THANK YOU for teasing me to come back for another year, little did you know I was actually going to do it. And little did you know, you were actually going to have print another one of my VERY long senior salutes! You put so much work into this athletic program, and I don’t think you get enough thanks for what you do!
There are so many more people who I know have had an influence on my athletic career- so very many. I have been blessed with some amazing coaches, and some amazing teammates. I have had experiences that I will never forget, because of this sport. I cannot believe my career here at Saint Mary’s is coming to an end(after a much deserved playoff run I hope). I have learned so much about myself as a person, and as an athlete; and for that I am so very grateful. |
