I t’s hard to sit down and think back about everything that has happened over the past 4 years. It seems like it was just yesterday I was arriving on campus and meeting with all the new freshmen and returning girls. It has been such a journey, starting with Coach Zimmerman. I had not been recruited so going into pre season I was not sure what to expect. I went into my freshmen year not knowing if I would see any minutes. I was able to find some minutes as an outside mid fielder. It was after freshmen year that I was put to play an outsider defender. This was my favorite position. I was finally able to get the minutes that I had wanted and show what I could really do for our team. I have formed amazing relationships with everyone on this team and will never forget any of them and the memories we have made.
Rachel-It was freshmen year when we first met, we were both living in Saint Edwards hall. We were in preseason so none of the other freshmen who would be living in Saint Edwards hall were there yet. We had ran into each other a few times in between practices and decided to meet in the kitchen. We realized then that we had more in common than we thought. This is where our friendship began. She is the hardest working person I have ever meet. Even when she is struggling with two sprained ankles she still is the best player on the field. Although she does not let this happen very often when she does get pushed around or fouled, she is the one person on this team that I will fight for the hardest. She is the person that you can’t stand to see get hurt or treated wrongly. This is very obvious when I play next to Rachel, especially when I get yellow cards for getting revenge on the person who did it to her. Her presence on the field makes me want to try harder for the team and work my butt of because of how much she puts into the game. She is known on the field for not allowing anything to get past her and she really doesn’t. I know that if I ever get beat she will always be there to save my butt. She is a true leader and friend who everyone looks up to.
Kate-You are the toughest person on the field. I never worry about something getting through you. You always are very motivational and know how to get our team pumped up. I’m sure it is hard being the only junior this year but you fit in with us perfectly.
Miranda C-when I first meet you we were in the old village at Vince’s. We were introduced and we immediately started talking like we had known each other for years. I thought you were such a sweetheart and was so glad I had met you. I have told you this before but you are one of the funniest people I have met. One time in particular was at one of the boy’s home soccer games. You and Kelsey were sitting by each other and had the funniest commentary. I don’t think I stopped laughing that whole game, and when you left after half I was sad because I had no more entertainment. Thanks for all the funny stories and the laughs. I also remember when we were in the hotel listening to Dream and trying to relive our high school days. You are so fun and crazy and you always make me laugh. April-We meet through Teri at a Halloween party last year. You were dressed up as April showers and Teri was May flowers. I thought that was so cute and creative. You were so friendly and nice but a little shy. However now that I know you I know differently. We always have fun when we get to spend time together.
Teri-you showed up a week late for preseason. I was skeptical at first of you. You seemed like you were in your own little world and we rarely had your attention. We still rarely have your attention but this year you have proven me wrong and showed the whole team what type of soccer player you really are. You have blossomed as a player. Sometime the things you say make me shake my head but that’s you. You always have funny comments that lighten the mood and keep us in high spirits. I hope that you continue to grow as a player and score lots of goals next year.
Mackenzie-I haven’t known you for very long but the two years I have played with you I have enjoyed so much. When you joined our team last year I was worried of changing our back three to a back four, but adding you back there has been such a success for us. I feel as though our defense is one of our key strengths and we couldn’t do it without you. You always are able to keep your calm even when you get pushed around.
Katie-I know you always think we are picking on you but it is only because we love you. You are such a hard worker and I can honestly tell how much love you have for the game. You have the heart and skill of a great player. You probably have the best first touch on our team. I look at balls you trap and think, “There is no way anyone could get that.” Yet you prove me wrong and somehow trap the ball. I know you hate when I say this but you are the littlest person on our team let’s be honest, but that doesn’t stop you from being the feistiest.
Amanda-you are our secret weapon. Your ability to use your left and right foot is such an advantage and it makes you the player that you are. You have always been the quite one on the team but over the years playing soccer together and also having classes together we have grown to be such good friends. When I come to you looking for advice or need to talk you are always there keeping me calm and making me see both sides of an issue. For the most part you are able to keep your composure but there have been a few times when you are pushed to your limits. Although you apologize later for this we all secretly love that you shocked us with a WWE wrestling move. We also have a common love which is our puppies.
Ellie-You along with Amanda are the first people I met when I got onto campus. When I first met you I thought you were so confident and outgoing. You made me feel comfortable and at ease with tryouts. You also always have the juiciest stories and seem to always know everything. You are also such a caring person. I know that if I need something and you can help in any way you will always be willing to help.
Mo Mo-“Mo Mo fo show show” I will always think of Tessa rapping that song to you when I say your name. You were one of the 25 blonde freshmen this year and you all seemed to hangout together which made it hard to tell you guys apart at first. But you stood out with your cute smile and how you throw your head back when you laugh about something. You also always fill our locker room with little treats. I will never forget the rice crispy bars with sprinkles on top of them and cake batter mixed in, especially right before practice. I think I had about five of those little things ten minutes before we went out to the field. We appreciate all the little treats and you don’t know how much we appreciate you back there protecting the net for us. Your defenders should always have your back and I hope you know that we definitely do regardless of what happens in the games. Ps don’t ever ask me to tie your shoe again! That was a onetime thing?
Cassie H-You are always the sensible one on the field. You seen to be the one in the net that is trying to round up the troops and get us all back on the same page. Your laugh is so distinct and I can hear it right now in my head as I am writing this. Especially in practice when you mess up instead of getting frustrated like I normally do you just laugh and make a joke about it. You never seem to amaze me at the shots you save. “You just redeemed yourself”
Cassie K-I wish I would have got to know you last year. You are such a sweet person who I have never once seen have a disagreement with someone or say anything mean to. Even when you badly sprained your ankle the first thing that came out of your mouth was, “no no no, its okay it just hurts really bad.” You were not mad at all just worried that if you seemed mad you would make Tessa feel bad. You are the definition of a good teammate. You are always there to cheer us on and keep us in good spirits. We wouldn’t be able to do it without you. I am so glad that you decided to join the team this year and hope that you will continue to play. You are a great player who is only going to improve.
Mandy-my first impression of you was, “omg I love her hair,” and “Yay! Now we have more blondes!” You are so soft spoken and friendly. You are such a strong player who I can see only getting better. Keep working as hard as you do, and show everyone how awesome you are.
Melissa-I knew you were going to be a strong player the second we started our fitness tests. You seemed to complete them all with ease. You especially surprised me when you completed 200 some juggles within 3 minutes and I had just done 36. I remember wanting to run next to you in the fitness tests because I wanted to push myself to stay with you, even though I realistically had zero chance of staying with you in those tests. You are a great player on the outside and I know just from the short time that I have been able to play with you that you always would be back to help me get out of that corner.
Mari-You have such a big heart. I know that it is hard for you to sit on the side lines with your injury but keep in mind that we appreciate you always being at our games to help cheer us on and keep us in good spirits. Hopefully by next year you will be all healed and you will be able to show the MIAC what you are made of. Keep up your positive attitude and amazing cooking! Your Mexican feast for us was so good!
Beth-You and Tessa are so crazy together but you are the other half to her! You guys remind me so much of me and Kelsey. You are always together and you don’t need to know you two to see it you are best friends. You guys were both so sweet when you surprised me with my birthday watermelon and my sign. I loved both of them and it always makes me laugh when I look at it. It was even better when Kelsey came up with your two nickname, “BESSA”, so funny! You are always working so hard up top and don’t think that it goes unnoticed. You have an ability to somehow find the ball in the air with your head. You are a great forward and I hope over the next couple of years you are able to help your team grow and to become a leading team within the MIAC.
Tessa-When I picked you as the person in preseason that I had to watch and observe for the first week I knew I would be entertained. You have the most spirit and energy out of anyone I think I have ever met. It isn’t just you either; you use your spirit and your energy to get the people around you to have the same excitement as you. You also always amaze me at how you keep the ball in bounds. Even when I am sure that it is out of bounds you somehow manage to keep the ball on the inside of the line. I love having you play on my side because I never have any doubt in my mind that you will be there to pass to and to help me out when were on defense. Never lose your crazy personality it makes you so unique and lovable.
Kelsey (aka Schneider) - I first meet you when you were moving into Hillside our sophomore year. I knew that you were going to be Amanda’s new roommate but that was all I knew. I was introduced and thought that you talked funny? but I also thought that you seemed so nice! I thought that you were an amazing soccer player and your foot skills were ridiculous. But you weren’t only amazing on the field, you also over the years have become such a good friend. I have told you this a million times but you are such a good listener I know if I ever need to talk to anyone you are there to listen and give me good advice. You always give it to me straight and never tell me what you think that I would want to hear.
Mazzuca- You scarred the crap out of me when I first meet you my freshmen year because I thought you were so good. You were not only fast but your ball skills were unreal! Although you intimidated me at first we began to formulate a friendship that I cannot imagine living without. We have grown so close over the years and I can’t even list all of our memories. From going out to the guy’s soccer house, Having fun soccer parties at your house, Brothers and dancing crazy with you, going to lunch when we get a chance, and spending time with you out on the river with the jet skis we always have fun together and are always talking about something. I wish we were able to have played together in college more but I honestly think that since you have graduated we have become closer. I love you! Ps stop sending me pictures of Ralph!!
Sibik-I don’t know how many people over the years have come up to me and say, “wow, sibik is really good.” Lol I couldn’t disagree with them or would want to because they are right! You are one player that’s skill I looked up to. It amazed me at how successful you were up as a forward. I always used to think just give the ball to sibik, she will score. Kelsey and I had an inside joke that we used to say, “we must find Sibik, for she is our god”? You and I had similar personalities on the field. We didn’t take crap from anyone and would not only talk trash with other players but also question the calls of the referees. It wasn’t just on the soccer field though. We seemed to always find trouble when we went out as well. To many nights to talk about them all but im sure you know which nights im talking about? I am so glad I got a chance to become better friends with you, and loving close by each other these past two summers has been the cherry on the top. You zucca and I have the funniest times together and we need to have more lunch and dinner dates.
Alex, Liz, Erin, Jess, Bailey, Emily-You guys are all awesome! It is amazing being on the sideline where the fans are and hear you all cheering for me. I can never tell you how much I appreciate you guys making an effort to come and be there to support not only me but the whole team. It also is always nice to know that I can come back to our place and you guys will ask me about how the game went and to let me know that it was okay and to keep it up or that I had played well.
“G money” (grandma)-We have been best friends since the day I was born. We have always been close but when I made the decision to come to Saint Mary’s University I had no idea how much time I would get to spend with you and how much closer we would become. I love knowing that you are always only a 5 minute drive away. Your support and love for me is so moving. You have no idea how much I appreciate you taking me on target runs when we have to stock up on stuff for the place in the old or going to Hy Vee to get groceries for the week. You know that you always make the best food. One meal in particular is your homemade pasta sauce. Even though I hate when you completely load my plate full of pasta because I feel like such a fatty, I love it at the same time because I normally do finish it all and it is so good. You know I am full and happy when I have to get out of my chair to lay on your kitchen floor so that I can “digest” the mountain of food that I have just eaten. I can never thank you enough for all that you do for me, but I hope you know that I love you more than anything in the entire world and I would do anything for you! I will always be there for you no matter what happens.
And finally Kelsey Brown-How do I even start my shout out to you? You are my best friend and my other half; we are “KASHLEY”; even though that definition on urban dictionary is disgusting and doesn’t describe us at all? I know that I will always have fun with you no matter what we are doing. We can be sitting around doing nothing all day but talking and you will have me laughing the whole time. You are by far the funniest person I have ever met and I tell anyone this that will listen. We first realized we were meant to be friends when we were soaking in the ice bath after a hard practice. We were both hesitant to ask the other if they liked to party and go out so we were tip toeing around the issue. One of us finally expressed to the other that yes we did like to go out and have fun and it was history from there. We began to do everything together. You were living in Vlazny and I was in Saint Edwards’s hall but we always seemed to hangout in between practices and at night. I remember the first time I went out with you we were at one of your old friend’s houses. When I got there you stood in the middle of the room told everyone to shut up and as you hugged me you announced to the whole party, “this is Ashley, my friend…she is kind of a big deal.” From going out in Winona at the girl’s soccer house with Sibik, Mazzuca, Dana, Keirra and all the other girls to going to the boys soccer house, making our way to Brother’s, and making to trip to Elk River to have “fun” with you and Makayla. I always knew it would be a good time when I went to Elk River. Whenever I needed to get away for a night I would call you up and ask what you were doing. There was normally something going on so I knew I could count on you to cheer me up and make me forget about whatever was going on at the time, which you usually accomplished. (waking up in Annes brothers top bunk bed with you, finding all my things in your friends car including my little pink square phone and invisiline, realizing I stole a plastic banana, and you hiding your belt in a drawer in the bathroom) There are so many other funny memories we have made in Elk River…when we were at Pat’s dancing around on the floor in the middle of the whole party while people just watched and wondered what we were doing, and falling down the stairs because we were laughing/dancing so hard. Also when we went to see Nelson for his birthday, I remember it was so cold out that night it was you me Annie Makayla and Jenna. I fell asleep on a love seat that was about 4 feet to short for me and woke up with you sleeping on the ground behind me…I always know you will never be far away? Say “true or False one more time! This best friend bracelet is coming off” How can we forget England: Tiger Tiger, Driving the cab home, jumping on the beds with KP and taking crazy pics, no sleep, long bus rides, fun nights at the Hairy Lemon, doing pass backs with shoes. Our Hillside Days: crazy neighbors, temporary tattoos, ranch off the floor, fun walks to the old, “you don’t say that,” “shes a nice lady,” “don’t talk to meeee,” marketing research…SPSS, what a joke we had no idea what we were doing, stealing food from the fridge and going to every fridge on every floor to see what the other floors have, you making hard boiled eggs at 2 am, your moms healthy cookies that were soooo good!! And I know there is so much I just don’t think I should write anymore for this. I love you forever and I will always be here for you!
Coach Neil-I was nervous at first to get a new coach our senior year and that you would make lots of changes to the lineup but you came in and earned all of our respect immediately. You made us all feel so comfortable and really made the last impression in our heads that you would be here for us whenever we needed you. Over this past season you have made it your goal to make us a big family. I can honestly say that I feel like these girls are my family and I would do anything for them. This reflects on you so much as a coach. You always have a good piece of advice or a lifting compliment to help us get back into the game. We appreciate what you do for us so much. Thanks for everything this year and I can’t wait to see what you do with the team in the coming years.
Thank you to anyone else that has helped me along this journey. It has been an amazing one and I appreciate everything that has happened over the past 4 years. |
