As a child, my parents encouraged me to participate in every activity I had even a remote interest in. I took advantage of the advice, and was a gymnast, ice skater, dancer, and soccer player for my first years as an “athlete.” As I grew older, my athletic career continued to develop involving volleyball, softball, and track and field. I liked most of the sports I participated in, but I loved volleyball. In our family, game night was not always in the living room with a board game, but often in the backyard on the grass volleyball court after supper. From backyard volleyball, to weekend long Junior Olympic tournaments, to high school varsity matches, if it meant volleyball you could count me in! Upon completion of my last high school playoff game I was devastated. College volleyball seemed so demanding and such a step up from the high school competition I was used to. Could I really continue my volleyball career in college? I wanted to think so, but two days before preseason my previously confident self grew weary. “If you do, what do you have to lose? If you don’t, what do you have to regret?” These were two questions my Dad asked me as I contemplated leaving my little town of Sartell, MN for the first time, alone and off to tryouts. On that brisk autumn afternoon in August, 2007, the questions my father jetted at me appeared ever so complicated. Now, after four years of playing Saint Mary’s volleyball, I could not imagine anything else.
I can’t really describe the person I have become because of playing collegiate volleyball, although I do know I have improved as a player and as a person. Athletics have helped me develop into a motivated, caring, and competitive individual. Looking back, I realize that none of these things would have been possible without the people in my life that care for me the most.
Dad, I don’t know where to begin in thanking you for all you have done to develop my career as an athlete. You have spent endless hours hitting and serving balls at me and put on more miles than I can remember riding your bike with a stopwatch in hand while I ran alongside. You have taught me to have thick skin, as I can always count on you to give me your honest opinion, good or bad, but nonetheless truthful! As both my coach and father, I condemn you for pushing me to my highest potentials whenever I was near giving up hope. Your support has been beyond better than any daughter could ever ask for.
Mom, my nickname for you is “superwoman.” You were always right beside dad, supporting me in every aspect of my life. I cannot thank you enough for driving me to practices and spending stressful weekends at tournaments while still keeping your composure. You have always been the one I can count on to greet me after a game with words of encouragement no matter the outcome. I appreciate you traveling for hours in the past four years to many of my college games, giving up your deserved time at home to simply relax. Someday, I hope I can juggle work, kids, and activities as well as you do!
Jenna, I have to say, you have made me a very proud older sister in pretty much everything you have done thus far in life, all except for becoming a GUSTIE!!! Just kidding, but iin terms of the match today I am totally serious! Thank you for serving hundreds of balls at me during the summer, even if sometimes it was unwillingly! Although I probably will not force you to serve anymore, I still expect you to pepper! You have always supported me in volleyball, school, and life in general; now it is MY turn to return the favors to you!
Josh and Logs, my two baby boys! I cannot express how happy I am to see your smiling faces in the crowd at games, because I know regardless of the result, afterwards you will both rush down to greet me with a giant hug! Both of you have sat through way too many volleyball games to even count, so in the coming years expect me to be your biggest fan in all of your endeavors! Each time I see you guys, I realize how much you have grown up- it amazes me, but makes my heart melt all at the same time! I hope neither of you are ever “too cool” to embrace your big sister in a hug or send me snail mail because it means the world to me!
David, it was three years ago when Jess and Court informed me in the locker room that their friend (you) wanted to meet me … the rest is history! Ha, ha. I cannot thank you enough for being my biggest fan and always supporting me in my goals, whether they are athletic or academically related. I probably don’t tell you enough, but I am so appreciative for all you do for me! It means so much to see you in the stands at every single match, as I know the distance you have to travel. Without you at SMU this yea,r our relationship has been put to a test, and I think it has already grown immensely! I love you and thank you for your making your schedule flexible, especially when mine is not during volleyball season!
Marie, as you are all the way in London, I want you to know I miss you dearly! You have made such a positive impact on my life and always push me to be a better person. I look forward to marathon training when you come back next semester! I am very fortunate to have you in my life!
Liz, I am so grateful to have such a supportive roommate who listens to my loud screaming both when I’m upset after a bad game, and when I’m happy about a great win! You are always able to pull me out of my stressed moods and willing to have a girl’s night when needed. I look forward to living up the rest of my senior year with you!
Erin, or should I say, Ms. Morgan! I remember seeing you at orientation and thinking to myself, “I think I could be friends with that girl!” Gosh, do I have good insight! As my roommate for now three years, you and I have dealt with nearly everything together! Through all of the good and bad times, you have helped me learn a lot about myself and have aided in my development to become the person I am today. After student teaching and volleyball, I expect us to have many more late night buffets consisting of popcorn, trail mix, and puppy chow! For now, our morning chats over a cup of coffee will have to do ? I am so happy to have you in my life and don’t know what I would do without you!
To the SMU coaching staff: Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to participate in collegiate athletics.
Coach, I appreciate all of the long hours, hard work, and sacrifices you make for the betterment of the SMU Volleyball program. I have been so grateful for your constant support and am amazed with your knowledge about the game of volleyball.
Tessa, where do I start?! From moral support, to physics tutor, to boot camp director, you just do it all! The time you give up for recruiting and tending to team-related activities is greatly appreciated! I am truly thankful for all the time you have spent with me personally, both academically and athletically, and I thank you for that!
Ashley, even after being out of collegiate athletics for a few years now you are still a rock star middle! Thank you for your continuous encouragement on the court and your constant smile!
Rohde, you have been a great addition to our coaching staff this year! You have great insight and are always striving to make each of us players better. Two last words, “elephant feet!”
Now to the ladies who all contribute to our success on the court!
Lex, you have brought an energy to our team that I don’t think anybody else can replace! Every single time I hear “Like a G6” I will automatically think of you!
Bunnssssssss! I’m glad your “shy girl” shell we saw in the beginning of the season has cracked! Keep working hard in the middle girl, I have confidence you can go get those 6-2 girls, despite your size! I’m a firm believer that big things come in small packages!
Sabrina, “Hello Der!” You have been through a lot this season, but I’m happy to have you back on the court now all recovered! With your admirable work ethic, I know you’ll be pounding the ball like crazy in no time!
Cathy, I like to think of you as the silent weapon! You are one player we can always count on to go into a game on a dime and do your job. Keep working hard hun!
Meg, I have enjoyed spending time with you both during volleyball and in the classroom this year! I am so proud of the transition you have made from being a stellar setter to a killer outside hitter! Not many people would be able or willing to make such a switch during their collegiate career, but you did and I admire you for that!
Rissa, You have really stepped up this year and been a solid outside hitter as well as back row key player for our team this year. I love serve receiving with you because of your calmness on the court as well as one phrase, “Comin’ in HOT!!”
T-Rass/ Little T, I am so glad you are on my DANG team! Haha! You have great knowledge of the game, and it is awesome to have someone to converse about defense with! Each practice I look forward to talking about volleyball and of course, telling Biology and Dr.Minnerath stories ?
Boo, I have loved becoming so close with you over the past 3 years! I know I can always count on you for support no matter the situation. I especially enjoy playing back row with you, and our crazy conversations! For the record, I will never forget what came out of Catwoman’s mouth when those little bugs were flying around us in Greece, and us two were the only people to hear what she ACTUALLY said!
KuBear, what would I do without you and the big wall you put up to protect me?!? (minus one exception to remain forgotten!) Defense would seem impossible! You have developed into such a big asset to the success of our team both on and off the court! I have to say, I will definitely miss your motivational timeout blurbs and fist pumps!
Rach, I still remember the first day of preseason freshman year watching you set, and thinking, “Wow! She has aMaZiNg hands!!” Four years later, I can definitely confirm that my first impression still holds true! You are a great girl and I have loved spending all four years with you on the team!
G!!!!!!! You, my darling, have an arm that I call “a slingshot.” Before you get all defensive (lol) let me just tell you that I am meaning it as a huge compliment! Whenever we are in need of a fast sideout, I always believe that if you get the ball it is definitely going to be a kill! Trust me, after playing defense on you for four whole years I know how hard and fast the ball comes!
Wells, you were the very first person I ever met here at SMU, and I couldn’t have gotten a better roommate at camp that summer before our freshman year! When I think back on all of the memories we have made since then, Halloween and Twins games just to name a couple, I can’t help but think how happy I am to have you in my life! No matter where you are, with or without a “suit man,” you, Har, and I will have to continue our dates in Rochester!
Mate, I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am to have you as my teammate, pepper partner, and study buddy! On the court, you are such a smart player; it always amazes me how well you can adjust and put a good swing on a ball no matter where the set is coming from. You and I are two people who can make long bus rides to and from games useful…in result being Cellular Respiration Cycle geniuses!!! After volleyball those study dates will not end; I’m sure late nights before microbiology exams will FORCE us to make Taco Bell runs!
Har, I feel so fortunate to have such a dedicated, smart, and motivating teammate as yourself! You constantly push me to strive to accomplish more both in volleyball and school, and I thank you for that! We have had so many laughs over the years: 1) “HARSTAD! Get yourself together!” 2) Guaranteed late night chats at EVERY hotel we end up rooming together! 3) The near yellow card for doing our handshake during the game at Concordia, or so we thought! …The list goes on! I’m pumped to continue our crazy excursions in Europe after graduation!
Britt, my lovely roommate, teammate, and amazing friend! Although I have only known you well for four years, I feel as though it has been a lifetime! No matter what, you are one person I can always count on for genuine support. You and I continuously push each other to not only be better volleyball players, but also better people. I will miss going to midnight movies and having it take extra long to get home because of making u-turns. I will miss our therapy sessions that often consisted of bundling up in scarves, hats, and multiple layers of sweats to run outside in blizzard-like weather! I will also miss our dance parties, and nights where we practically binge ate on chocolate! No matter where you are next semester, know that you will always hold a special place in my heart!
J-Lars, Court, Pam, T, and Carol, having you girls as role models was a large factor to my fulfilling experience as a student athlete. I thank all of you, as well as previous SMU Volleyball alums for your willingness to work hard at making SMU Volleyball a success!
And finally, thank you to all other fans and supporters of SMU Volleyball! I sincerely appreciate your support and dedication!
My time as a volleyball player and student at Saint Mary’s University would not have been near as special without all of the wonderful people in my life! I have learned a lot about myself in the past four years as a student athlete, and look forward to all of the coming endeavors I will experience in the future!
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