Seniors – It feels like we have known each other for more than three months and believe me that is a good thing. You have shown your love, passion, pride and at times your vulnerable side over the last three months, both as individuals and as part of the Saint Mary’s soccer family. Those things have allowed the underclassmen to feel comfortable in your presence to follow a great lead and to take steps forward in more than just the soccer sense. For me personally, I have felt honored to get to know you and share a small part of your life with you. You made me feel welcome in our first few days together, when I was pretty nervous. The little smirks, the poking fun at my accent have all made me feel, well, at home. So, Thanks!!!
Cassie – You were one of the first players I ‘officially’ met when I took the position. I remember you walking into my office and there was an air of determination about you. One of our first conversations was how excited you were for the season and to train….HARD!!! I remember thinking, fantastic and that I could not wait to start the season. You welcomed the freshmen with open arms and I think have helped Mo a huge amount by saying the correct things at the correct time and keeping things light when they needed to be, you have a knack for that . You are always striving to improve, but more importantly you are always looking to help others improve, both inside and outside of the soccer world. That is a special trait and something you should be very proud of. Thank you for everything you have done for the SMU Women’s Soccer program.
Ashley – My first recollection of you was right after my interview, we walked out from the Toner Center and you mentioned that I had done a good job; you have no idea how much that meant to me. You are respected by your teammates, and you give your all for them. If I had to sum it up in one word, it is protector. If one of your teammates gets fouled, your protection mode switches on and you make sure that they know that teammate has a big sister that will stick up for them. All the players know that Ashley has their back. You are determined and are always looking to improve, you can change a situation with your smile which puts others at ease, but can also change a game with the tenacity you possess. Keep putting others before yourself as you have done and know that the SMU family also has your back. Thank you for everything you have done for the SMU Women’s Soccer program.
Rachel – I had numerous phone conversations with you before I actually had the chance to meet you. You helped me more than you could imagine in shaping the new culture of this program. You were elected one of our captains by your teammates for a second year, that in and of itself speaks volumes for the type of person you are. I have gotten to know you as a person and I can understand why you were selected as Captain for a second year, you always put the team before yourself. The small things you do day in and day out have not gone unnoticed. You are caring, compassionate and always ready to say what needs to be said. Your play on the field exemplifies you, you do not give up, you give your all and you lift your teammates when they need to be lifted. Your caring nurturing personality will carry you forward in life and you will touch and have touched so many people’s lives and made them believe. Thank you for everything you have done for the SMU Women’s Soccer program.
Ellie – I did not get to meet you until the first day of pre season, when we had our first team meeting. I remember looking over at you and you just gave me one of those; ‘it’s going to be ok’ kind of smiles. That made me feel at ease, something which I think you do for all of your teammates. I also really enjoyed getting to know you in our dyad conversation. Your never give in attitude and wanting to improve have inspired not only yourself but your teammates to become better players and people. Day in and day out your teammates can count on you to give everything and you expect it to be reciprocated which you have done and that is not an easy thing to accomplish. I have also witnessed your caring side – You went above and beyond when we asked the team to complete a task for someone else. I was very touched and moved by what you did…..thank you!! You have the personality and tools to overcome any obstacles in life. Thank you for everything you have done for the SMU Women’s Soccer program.
Kelsey S. – I first met you in Rochester at Soccer world, you seemed shy and timid, while at the same time coming across as confident. We had a good conversation regarding the team and your background before SMU. I remember thinking you could be the quiet leader the team would need and that was confirmed when your teammates elected you captain. I have seen you grow as a person over these three short months, you are the calm the team needs when everything else is chaotic. You are the type of person that any player can come to and ask you any question and know that it will be held in complete confidence. On the field, you are the same calm player, you give everything and I know when you step off the field that you have left everything on it. You have created relationships with all the players on the team that they will not forget. Your viewpoint and opinion will continue to be sought and your ability to calmly react to any given situation will lead you onwards and upwards. Thank you for everything you have done for the SMU Women’s Soccer program.
Kelsey B – Imagine that my first recollection of you involves you and Ashley, again it was after my interview coming from the Toner Center. You seemed the type of person that would take care of anyone and anything. Your heart is as big as it could be and your love for your teammates is really, well, impossible to recreate. You have become a force to be reckoned with on the field and you have taken on new responsibilities with vigor. I often look to you at practice to gauge how it is going, you are always engaged in everything and this shines through with the respect that your peers have for you. You also have the knack of knowing what situation dictates what response. You are the epitome of a SMU Women’s Soccer player, you have shown that in various ways both internally and externally throughout the season. You have the “is us” emblazoned in everything you do, your love and passion for everything you do will no doubt make you a success after your collegiate career. Thank you for everything you have done for the SMU Women’s Soccer program
Amanda – I have known you the longest, my first memory of you is when I coached you as a U11 soccer player in Rochester. It has been a pleasure to get to watch you grow into the fine woman you have become. You quietly go about your business, but with extreme passion and confidence, you are always there for your teammates and are genuinely involved and interested in growing the program. You are always the first one to respond when I need something, no matter what it is. You also have the ability to adapt to any situation presented to you, both on and off the field. On the field, you have played in several different positions and your response is always, “wherever you need me”. That sense of team first me second is the culture that you have helped to reinforce. Your determination to overcome difficult situations is something we can all learn from and I know that you will achieve your dreams in life. Thank you for everything you have done for the SMU Women’s Soccer program.
Having reflected on each of you and writing the senior salute has made me feel proud. The same type of feeling when a daddy watches his youngest take a first step. I look forward to seeing your first steps after you graduate and to be a part of your lives as you move forward with your ambitions and dreams.
Thank you once again.
Neil
|
