It is hard to believe that seven years ago, I played in this gym for the first time. Little did I know, volleyball summer camp was only the beginning. I have loved playing in this gym ever since; It definitely has been like a second home with all the hours I’ve spent playing here. Is this the end? I would like to believe these past years are just the beginning to my life, and that the friends and memories I have made will always be with me.
First of all, I need to thank my family. They have been with me from the beginning; always pushing me to go the extra mile to better myself. Thank you to all my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who have also taken time to come watch me play.
To my parents: I cannot remember a time or game that my parents haven’t been to. You two would go anywhere to support me; being as close as driving forty minutes to Winona or traveling across states to see me play. I realize how much time it is to put aside to come watch and I truly appreciate it.
Mom, for always reminding me that I should never be satisfied with just making the cut. Play hard! Be Tough. And most importantly, FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS, are phrases that I have come to know all too well. I know there were definitely too many venting sessions where I wasn’t completely satisfied with my performance, or times when I was in a slump, but you were always finding ways to motivate me. By the way, I highly doubt you are getting yourself out of that trip to Vegas you promised me. J
Dad, getting in trouble at high school and off-season games were times for your signature chant — HIT THE BALL. It is always a good laugh to see that mom can never sit near you because she’s sick of you being too opinionated. Or those times you would sit with the opposing team to make sure they weren’t being too unruly, especially that Section game against Owatonna. You saying, “That’s my girl,” when I get a block or kill, and shutting up those chanting Owatonna dads. It has to be one of my favorite memories in my volleyball career. Ha.
To my brother, John — No I haven’t forgotten about you. Ha. You may not have been to every game but I know you were there in spirit. Love the times when I would get picture texts of articles I’ve already seen, just to say how proud you are of me. It means a lot to me even if I don’t always say it.
Secondly, I have to thank all the people that have been with me when my family couldn’t be.
To my teammates: Coach made a good point when he described our team as being “special.” Of course, there are different ways to interpret that word. We definitely have our moments, but I believe we are special because we are more of a family than a team. Through the easy and the hard times, on and off the court, we supported each other. Our success in the last few seasons, I believe, has come from the basis of family and trust. I will miss each and every one of you. Thank you for always having my back and making college an unforgettable experience.
To my Coaches:
Coach Lester, I know I have been a piece of work always trying your patience, pushing buttons, and even crossing the line at times, but you say ticking me off really makes me play harder. I’m just pushing you to be an even better coach than you already are. I have learned so much from you in the past few years and have become a better volleyball player because of it. I mean I may have made some stupid errors in the past but you have always believed in me to jump back and make the next play.
Tessa, you and your sassy attitude have been a great addition to our team. You are such a great motivator and teacher to us as well. I remember all those times you would get after me to fix the little things like adjusting my setting, serving, and blocking. Who can forget being called mittens for an entire off season because I needed to learn to keep my hands open and strong. . I know I won’t. Ha and I don’t think you will ever let me forget the times you have blocked me. Is it one or two times?? Ha.
I also want to thank Ashley and Rhode for being there for every practice and game possible; if it wasn’t hitting balls at us, you were in the drill playing with us. You really have helped to create the team we are today. Thank you.
To our Fans: Games wouldn’t be as fun without you. If you weren’t painting your bodies the Cardinal colors, making signs for each game, chanting and cheering in the stands, you were supporting our team simply by wishing us good luck and coming to as many games as possible. I hope our team could give back to your dedication by giving you a great show of sportsmanship and passion for the sport we live our life by. By the way, we tried our best to reserve those “Dig Pink” shirts for those who weren’t able to get on. It doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate all your support J.
Lastly, I want thank our trainer, Bill. Having to deal with us as a team must be a handful. Thank you for all the times you had to tape my ankles, wrists and fingers, etc. I know I was probably high maintenance at times. . Probably still am, ha.
I think it is appropriate that I end with “DTB”. It has been essential to playing sports here at Saint Mary’s.
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