“Team Before Self”
I may start to sound like a broken record here, but our seven seniors have been fantastic leaders for our program not just on the court but off as well. They are the foundation of what our volleyball program is: hard work, dedication, effort, and sacrifice. Each of them provides a fantastic example for our team when it comes to challenging ones self and working to be the best player and person possible.
They each have been instrumental leaders in their own way and have made sure that those remaining in the program understand their responsibilities, and the importance of carrying on the success of the volleyball program after they graduate. They epitomize the idea on which our team is founded: “Team before self.”
Welly: So where should I play you tonight? Setter? Libero? I think those are the only things you haven’t done for us, though I am sure you could do both if asked! I am sure glad that four years ago when you came up to my office, you made the decision to play! It certainly would have been different not having you with us. I hope that you have enjoyed your career here at SMU. You are an integral part of everything that we do. Your work ethic, self-sacrifice, and willingness to do anything that we as a staff ask are a tribute to you as an individual. I truly believe that we would not have been as successful as we have been without you as a part of our program.
Sara H.: Dedication, hard work, and resilience are the first three words that come to mind to describe you on AND off the court. You have worked so hard to make yourself a great player, and I hope that you feel that work has paid off over the last two seasons. You have been ready to step in to any role asked of you and done it to the best of your ability. I hope you realize how much your work and dedication has meant to our success. Thank you!
Sarah G.: Talk about coming into your own. I can remember a couple of long heart to heart conversations you and I had through the course of your freshman year and again in your sophomore season. You have, obviously, made yourself into one of the best players to have played at Saint Mary’s. Not just one of the best volleyball players, but one of the best student-athletes to have worn an SMU uniform in any sport. Perhaps more impressive to me than your growth and development as a player, has been your growth as a person. You have become a fantastic teammate, and a wonderful leader for this team! Your work in the weight room, and on the court has obviously paid off and provided an example for others to follow.
Rachel: What a four years eh Rach? We have been through a ton, and you have always been the ultimate team player! Thank you so much for your work, leadership and continued perseverance through everything you have been through! I know that you have grown and matured so much over the past four years, and I am so proud of you. Thank you. Your impact on the court, in matches and in practice, has been critical to the development of this program. Thank you rach…
Jessica: So you came to Saint Mary’s as a right-side. That didn’t last long did it? I can still remember the first time we thought, hmmm maybe we should try Jess on the outside, nahhh she can’t pass or play defense well enough. Wow, did you prove us wrong. You have worked your way into being one of the most dynamic outside hitters we have ever had at Saint Mary’s. The only All-Region player at the position, you have become someone teams have to game plan against. Not bad for a right-side. PS. You can pass and play defense alright too!
Britt: Thank you … thank you for all you have done for our program. Once again you have been the vocal and emotional leader of this team. I am amazed that not only have you been able to replicate a fantastic senior season from 2009, but in so many ways able to improve and perform even better in 2010. Congratulations on all of you individual successes, but even more importantly congratulations on making everyone around you a better player. Again, I am not sure anyone has sacrificed and worked as much as you have to play a sport that you obviously love!
Lindsey: You are a tireless worker. No one can ever say that you haven’t put everything that you have had into this program, and for that I thank you. You have faced a ton of adversity over your four years, and you have worked your way through it. You definitely earned your spot, your playing time, and your position as a leader on this team! Once again your selflessness and leadership have had an immeasurable impact on this team and this program.
Welly, Jess, Lindsey, Sara, Britt, Sarah, and Rach, I would like to thank you so much for the hard work, dedication, and leadership you have provided to our program through your career here at Saint Mary’s. Hopefully we still have some work to do over the next couple of weeks, but when it all ends on the SMU Volleyball court please remember the experience, the friendships, the challenges, and the successes! You are all wonderful individuals who will be extremely successful in everything you strive to achieve. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
THANK YOU!
|
