Chris Bids Farewell

With the season coming to an end, it’s crazy to think that there is a whole new life ahead of us moving forward. Coming to Saint Mary’s, I had no idea what I was getting into with a new soccer team. Needless to say it was an experience I will never forget. College truly is a whole different world than anything you will ever experience again. Having said that, looking back at the past four years it is hard to imagine there is spending that time with any other group of guys. This team brought together so many different personalities that it was hard not to have found a group to along with. From teammates who are gone to those I am leaving behind there is not a bad kid in the group.

Before I go on to talk about my time with everyone who made my time on this team so unforgettable, there are two people that I cannot help but mention. My parents are the reason that I have been able to be a part of everything that took place these four years, and I would not have been here without them. From the time I started playing soccer to the time it comes to an end, they have been the biggest support. All through high school they were at all my games to cheer me on regardless of anything else going on in the world. Their support has shown no wavering even during the time that I wasn’t starting in my first two years here. It is hard to imagine where I would have ended up without the love and support they provided. I could go on about everything that they have done for me in making me the person I am today. Everything that I am is a reflection of the work they have put into raising me. I can only say thank you so much for everything you have done.

Playing soccer at Saint Mary’s was not guaranteed for me. I came here as a walk-on and had no expectations about making the team. Sitting here now writing this, I can proudly say I am glad things turned out the way they did. I would not have met the people I know without the help of soccer and the experiences I have gained through soccer are some of the most unforgettable moments I have had in my life. Playing with everyone who has been a part of the team has been a great privilege. Seeing the transition of this team from year to year, I know that there is a bright future ahead for the soccer team at Saint Mary’s which I plan on keeping an eye on.

Going through a coaching change has been one of the more eye-opening experiences I have had as a part of this team. The changes that take place from regime to regime is a really dynamic thing to watch. I have to thank my first collegiate coach first. Even though I was not recruited by Coach Dembiec, all I have is respect for the time I spent playing for you and your staff. With a changing of coaches came a whole new perspective. Coach Watkins, it has been a pleasure to be a part of the changes that you have started in your first year here. I have learned more from you in a year than I could have ever imagined. There is no hesitation in my voice when I say you are leading Saint Mary’s soccer in the right direction. Thank you for the opportunity to play for both you and Coach Drew.

I have plenty of memories of the times that I have spent with all my teammates since my first preseason started what seems like only a year ago. I have to start with the person that was in front of me for two years: Jon Szafranski. It is with great respect that I say I learned a great deal while watching you come up clutch game after game. Adair, spending a year as your roommate I have learned 2 things; don’t walk in front of you while you’re playing trials, and don’t pull pranks on the day before strategies presentations. Lindsay, I think you would agree with me when I say that green is the color that makes everything more interesting. Neu, make sure after college that the gas is always turned off on the stove. Bobby, there is not another person in the world that has made me do a double-take after hearing their comments, congratulations. Lusch, Puff, and Meyer, anytime you guys think about playing smash again don’t forget about the perils of going up against the great Mario. Jua, I can only imagine what it would have been like if you were around all four of my years here. Kam, someday I will take you to the local deli. Ricci, you are the only guy I know who proudly wears a Taylor Swift shirt, kudos. Gabe, I hope that by now you have caught all the pokemon. Gunnar, good work captain duck. Bina, it’s time you admit you have a problem…..snoring. To everyone I didn’t mention: I did not forget you, thanks for every bit of time we spent together on and off the field. Don’t take for granted the time you spend with your teammates. You will never get it back and will always have those memories to look back on.

I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Saint Mary’s soccer and appreciate being able to be a part of its history.