A Word from Coach Dembiec

One of the most difficult things for me to see is an athlete come to the end of his career. I was reminded of this as I watched Brett Favre’s (possible) last night at Lambeau Field. Some people will remember him for his numbers he put up, others will remember championships he won, while others will remember his boyish attitude toward the game. Some players go out gracefully with age; other players keep fighting to hang on to their career, and some careers end abruptly with injury. It is rare that athletes end their career with championships, only a few are lucky enough get to have that feeling at the end of their career. That is why the game is played for reasons other than numbers and awards. Each player takes away a unique experience. Coaches remember character! They remember how that player started their career and how they ended their career. Every moment in between is a carefully placed challenge for the athlete to refine and reveal their character.

As you three guys end your soccer playing careers, I get the same sinking feeling seeing your last game, but prideful of the people you have become. Steve, Ryan, and Andy you came in willing to play for a developing program and did your best to change a culture. All three of you were asked to start as freshman and mature at a faster rate than normal. It is not easy to take on that kind of responsibility that early in your career. I wished for you three guys the numbers and a record that would emulate the time and energy you put into being a Cardinal. I can tell you that never in my coaching career have I highlighted a record, awards, and numbers. I highlight character! There are so many personal moments I can remember along the way about all three of you that make me so proud to have been able to spend the time together as a Cardinal. I am excited for a more personal time to talk about those times.

Ryan, I do not know how many times I have had conversations with coaches and people in the soccer community about your growth and maturity into a fine young man. Your commitment to our program at SMU and soccer generally is always noticed. I hope your future in the game as a coach and advocate for soccer is successful and rewarding.

Steve, you made such a sacrifice coming to SMU, much bigger than most. You are far away from your close family, you worked very hard to pay for your education, and worked hard for your academic success. We had you play a few different roles in our program, and handled each with passion. There were games that your passion single handedly changed results. Most of all, I am honored to have been there for personal conversations when you wanted to talk. I hope that continues in your successful future.

Andy, you are very true to yourself and what you believe. Over your four years, you were light hearted and good for a joke when it is needed, and I like the fact that you are the same person four years later. You have a will to win, but more importantly a love to play. Your maturity has given our program a standard to live up to. I really believe you made the most of your four years, and will carry an amazing personal growth into your next challenge in life.

I cannot thank Ryan, Steve, and Andy enough for their commitment and trust in SMU soccer and personally to me. You three are the remaining of a large freshman class and stuck it out through ups and downs. I admire your commitment and thank you for giving me the opportunity to coach you. You three are my first recruits and it’s difficult to see you finish your careers. You all have so much to offer future employers and communities you will serve in the future. Keep passion and integrity in everything you do in the future, and keep SMU soccer in your hearts!!