Meow meu mu meeeow meo mew. (if you can’t understand that, “I’m going to miss playing soccer at SMU”) The real world is creeping up on us. I’m so excited, but also very nervous. I can’t believe that competitive soccer will be over for me once the whistle blows at the end of this game.
It’s a crazy path that led me to Saint Mary’s in the first place, but soccer was a huge part of it working out for me. As some of you know, I went to Boise State University my freshman year. I didn’t feel comfortable in such a huge school that was obsessed with their football team. 2 months in, I already knew I wouldn’t be able to stand staying there for 4 years. I had gotten somewhat burnt out of soccer during highs school, but while at BSU I realized how much I missed it. As I played intramural soccer, I yearned to be back playing soccer. So when I searched for a new college to attend using Collegeboard, soccer was one of the categories. SMU was 1 of 4 colleges in the U.S that met my detailed criteria (apparently I really narrowed it down). I’m so thankful that my parents supported my reasoning’s, and allowed me to come visit to check out SMU that February as my Christmas gift. Before coming to visit,I had the SMU aerial view as my background on my laptop: my goal was just to get there, my dream school.
When I arrived on campus I was met by the unforgettable Mariana Sanchez, who made me feel welcome right from the get-go. Her and Keirra Metcalfe really showed me what the people were like at SMU; they were real, caring, and people I would want to associate myself with. It was also comforting to see that Keirra and Mariana so far from home themselves, loved their time at SMU. Keirra stayed up late with me chatting and answering all the questions I had, and I appreciate that beyond words because that made a huge impact on my decision to come.
Mom and Dad: Thank you so much for all the time, support, and money you’ve put into my soccer career. It was really great to have you guys visit these past 2 years and be able to see how much I love it here, and see the people that I talk about all the time. I’m really hoping that we both figure out a new destination to live in that is near to each other because it’s definitely been tough being so far away from each other. I’m glad to see text and e-mail updates, and it’s nice that we can have long chats on the phone when I have some free time or need to vent or get advice. I love both of you!
Joe, Brie, and Ellie: I can’t wait for you to come out for graduation. It’s so hard to miss watching little Ellie grow up, but I love seeing pictures and videos on facebook: she’s way cute!! I hope Ellie likes her SMU Soccer sweatshirt that the Venter’s’ made for her! Joe, thanks for inspiring my want to play soccer; it all came from watching your games and wishing for some reason your coach would decide to put me in even though I was a girl, didn’t have cleats, and was 5 years younger, a girl can dream. Also, thanks for running with me to help me train; I look forward to doing many more races with you.
The Venter’s (Mervyn, Michelle, Pascaul, Gran): I’m a little babbalas while writing this, rough night at the soccer house as usual. Juamaine is my boytkie, even if he is a stoute kabotar; we all love him. Thanks for welcoming me into your home this summer, and any time that Juamaine and I decide to stop by. I’ve had a wonderful time getting to know you guys better, and you feel just like family. I can always count on you to brighten up my day with some coke rewards and pressies every time I see you. I really appreciate you guys making it to as many of my games as you could. Thanks for taking care of my viscious kitty kat, and I’m sorry for all the things her and I have broken at your house, we kitties are clumsy. A coconut would be nice right about now. Gran- legggo
Juamaine/Jua: Okkkkay. meow meow mu. I’m so glad that I met you 2 Halloween’s ago, playing soccer in the kitchen of the soccer house, I schooled you many times by scoring in the cupboard. Neu….thanks for showing me the way later that night. Thanks for opening me up to your family, and giving me a support system away from home. Remember when we used to say the same thing at the same time, all the time, JINX. Bunny bunny kitty kitty meow meow, kitty kitty bunny bunny hop hop. (with the hand motions). What’s the name of that song- I want you, I want chu. As Evan once said, you have the body of a Greek God. When did you get faster than me? Not okay. Shout out to Ziggy. Stop saying the word eggs. Intramural champions. You better come visit me once you’re a big college graduate in December. “My fingers hurt.” “what’s that?” “My fingers hurt.” “Well your backs about to hurt, because you just pulled landscaping duty.” The future is bright for you young grasshopper, go get ‘em.
Ziggy: You’re too cuteeee, but please watch what you eat, I don’t like fat cats. Don’t run after every treat that gets thrown down the stairs for you. Never stop purring.
To the Alumni squad: Keirra-thanks again for making me realize how great SMU is. Dana-thanks for the id ?, it was very useful for sophomore year. Zukes- I will never forget when you said, “I like the way you play” when I was new here. Sibik- I always looked up to you, I’m sorry I didn’t beat up Boussies girl for you over the piece of chicken…. We have spent many nights that you don’t remember together, and I love you a ton. You’re a blast in a glass. KP-thanks for picking me up from the airport, and kels and I missed being 3 strong with the coolest name.
To my fellow seniors: you are all my closest friends at SMU, and I don’t have a clue who I would be friends with if I didn’t play soccer, my whole time here would be different. I wish I hadn’t missed out on freshmen year, it would have been awesome to have a whole year more together. Rach/co-captain/bestfriend: you are such a sweetheart. We feel the same about like everything in the world, I could laugh with you for days. You’re always there to vent to, and have been there for me since the beginning when I was having a hard time adjusting to things. You are so creative, and I’m impressed by your ideas regularly. You are someone I hope to never lose, so please don’t let that happen! And you’re coming to visit in Ptown asap. “you shut the…..” Ps. Thanks for being my personal hairdresser and braiding my hair before every game for the last 2 years! Amanda: It’s been a long road of ups and downs. We know each other so well, being roommates for 2 out of the 3 years I’ve been here. I will never forget when you asked me if we put up Christmas lights in Portland since there’s no snow (yes we do). Ash: I love your mom; she’s so cute and we are so alike. Thanks for giving me rides to and from the airport. You always know how to cheer up someone when they’re having a bad day, and if something’s wrong you always try your hardest to fix it even though it’s not your fault. Ps. I love your clothes/style. Kels: thanks for letting me stay with you over Thanksgiving, it was lots of fun meeting your friends and fam, seeing Cabellas for the first time, eating some delicious food, and earning our bird. You are so very clever and make me laugh with your witty puns and hilarious stories. I enjoy always being on your right side, and I’m going to miss your unique personality. I’m so proud of you for already having a job at Target set up; your hard work has paid off! Ellie: I’m sorry that Ziggy pooped on you. I’ve had a lot of good times with you and Bina. Halloween-dodgeball team, Benefit Dance, BP all the time sophomore/junior year, paranormal activity. Thanks for having my back when I’ve needed it, and for all the coke rewards. Cassie: Thanks for making me pretty posters-buddy! “You didn’t see anything” cracks me up every time I read it.
Juniors… I mean Kate. You will always be my buddy. We came here together being the only 2 new players, and we relied on each other a lot. Practice and games wouldn’t feel right without juggling and passing with you beforehand. We’ve gotten so much better at juggling! I’m going to miss your hard a** attitude and intensity. I know I wouldn’t want to be a forward on one of the opposing teams, or I might end up without a leg by the time the games over. I miss sharing my ipod before games and singing songs together. I will never forget that epic Thursday night and dancing it up with you.
Sophomores: You are a very talented class, and I wish you luck for the rest of your time here. Kenz: well welllll am I supposed to profess my undeniable love for you? Idk this is awk. But you’re great, you’re a sweet person and sicknasty defender. Right side, strong side. Good luck next year! Everyone will miss you a ton. Tessa: your presence inspires me, you never fail to be positive and push harder, you expect more from yourself and others at all times and that will carry you far. It’s so unfortunate that you’ve been partially injured the entire time we’ve played together, but I’ve enjoyed every minute that you are in. Right side, strong side. Meow! Katie: It’s been great to get to know you better. Vanilla and coke-good decision. Keep working hard and you’ll get to where you want to be. Thanks for introducing me to Twitter. Beth: meoowww. I love your ringtone. You have improved so much this year, keep on trucking. I kinda want to run the beeptest with you again just to see how far we could push each other. Teri: whats up pussycat, you are like out of this world. Sometimes I honestly just Do. Not. Know. What you’re doing or thinking. Kitty kat lick and paw furr.
Newbs: From freshmen to the sophomores that decided to come out, it was so great to have you all on the team this year. I hope you stick with it for the rest of your years, I’ve had so much fun being on this team and I’m sure the program will be changing and growing dramatically in the next couple years for the better so hang in there. There’s a lot of room for playing time with 7 seniors leaving! Miranda Cole: you will be tearin it up next year, so I better see that you’ve scored like 15 goals next season. #bffs on the dance floor. Ape: you almost scored right when you got on the field! You are so silly, good times with you and Miranda. Cassie K: You are always positive and hardworking, your time will come, keep it up and be vocal. It was nice to get to know you a little better being roomies at the mansion and Concordia. MoMo: I’m so glad you changed your mind and came to SMU. Starting as a freshman wasn’t in your thoughts, but your attitude was always awesome, and what do you know, you’ve gotten a shot. You are really fun and I hope you are happy with your choice. Mandy: I love your beauty mark, you are always positive, and have listened to me vent many times, you’re so understanding, thanks for not judging me. Melissa: you came into the season prepared and ready to show us what you got, you’ve been doing that all season, and you have quite a lot of determination. Keep working hard. Mari: all the way from Texas. You make some bomb enchiladas. We have the same birthday!!
To the entire guy’s soccer team: thanks for putting up with me. Bobby I think you’re gonna have to see what the land of Port looks like some day, just so you can satisfy all your burning questions. Kam-er-On. NEU! I’m glad I don’t have to listen to you rave at 6am anymore. Rad- you showed me my favorite song of all time. Boussie- you kinda scare me. Lucas- glad we can be friends again. Jon-thanks for giving me a ride home from the guys house the first time I was there. Adair- Jua’s my boyfriend, not yours. Same to you Graiber.
To my coaches: Neil- I look forward to seeing what you do for the future of this program. I enjoyed being a captain and discussing ideas with you. I wish you the best of luck in creating a winning program! Halberg-thanks for always being positive and giving us great pump up talks. Keep holding down the fort. Jen- thanks for knocking the wind out of me. So awkward when I realized you were going to be my coach. Zim- thanks for always making me feel like I was an important player and that I could do anything. McCaslin- magic. We missed you this year.
PS. Blues > Oranges.
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