Wow, this is definitely not the letter I would be writing a year ago, but it still does not change how I feel about the sport of volleyball, the people who have helped me along the way, and especially my wonderful teammates. Sure this is not exactly how I pictured my senior season, but injuries happen all of the time; it’s just part of the sport. It is what you make out of the situations you are given that make a person who they are.
First, I have to thank my parents so much for EVERYTHING they have done for me the last 21 years, but especially during my volleyball career. Thank you so much for introducing me to the game at a young age, and for strongly encouraging me to join the school team in middle school. Do you remember in 8th grade how I wanted to join Cross Country because that is what all of my friends were in, but no you made me join volleyball. I guess you really do know best! Who knows what would have happened if I had never joined volleyball that year; I might not be here right now! You have always been there supporting me in everything I do, whether it is on the court or not and I could not do it without you. You are my rock and I thank God that I was lucky enough to have you as parents. Also, thanks for being patient with the “several” injuries I have had over the years. I just wanted to make sure that the insurance card still works and keep everyone on their toes! I know this last month has been an emotional roller coaster and I have been so blessed to have you there to help me through all of it. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done with this, and will do with the next week. You have both shown me what it means to be a good person and what it means to be selfless. Mom you are not only my mother, but a great friend as well, which is something that not many people can say. Dad, I will always be your little girl no matter what happens. I love you both so much!
Michael and David; wow you two are amazing brothers. You taught me to be competitive ever since we were little because I could not stand it if one of you beat me in anything. You have pushed me over the years to be a great athlete and person as well. You are both such amazing young men and I know both of you will do amazing things in the future.
I also have to thank God for everything he has put into my life, but especially for giving me an opportunity to play volleyball. He has given me so much joy in my life, and a large part of that is volleyball and athletics. I would never wish for anything else.
Next, I want to thank my coaches over the years. Kristin, Damon, Kathy, Mickie, Haugs, and Igou. You have always believed in me and pushed me to not only be the best athlete I could be, but also the best person and leader I could be also. Coach Lester, thank you for everything these last four years. I was never sure if I would be good enough to play at the collegiate level, but you gave me the most amazing opportunity I could have asked for. I respect you so much and I feel lucky to have had an opportunity to play for you. Tessa, wow! You can always make me laugh pretty much no matter what is going on and these last four years would have been so different without you. I know you are a person I can come to no matter what is happening and you will listen and have great advice to give back. Ashley, I appreciate all of the advice and support you have given me with help in the middle. You are so knowledgeable and I knew I could come to you when I was struggling. Also, you are still an amazing player! I love it when you practice with us because I always tried to work my butt of just to block you. You made me a better player so thank you! Lastly, but most certainly not least, thank you Chris Rohde for helping out the last few years. You know so much about the game, like to work hard, and also like to have fun while playing. You pushed me to become better, especially when we were playing on opposite sides of the net! Jodi, Jaxon, Jayden, Ross, Tim, Damien, Clara, Jess, and Ellie, thank you so much for giving up time with our coaches so that they are able to come to practices and games with us. I know it takes a lot of time away from your families and I appreciate the sacrifice.
Bill, what can I say? I am not sure if I would have been able to play these last few years without your help. I think I have been in the training room literally just about every single day of season the last four years. That’s not exactly something to be proud of though haha. You have always been so patient with everything that has happened trying to get me back healthy. Thanks especially for your help the last year. I think I owe you extra cookies for this year.
Erika … Can you believe we are here already? Man it seems like just yesterday when we watched Carol and T do this. Time flies! I could not have asked for a better person to share the last four years with. We have accomplished so much these last years and have made so many great memories. I’ll never forget the Greece trip being roommates plane mates, the first week of preseason as freshman, St. Louis, and especially this year. You are always so full of energy and put 110% into every practice. You sure are one tough cookie! I am so glad you are my other half in the front row because I could never be as good as you back there. Love ya and I know you will do some amazing things in your future. I mean you ARE Erika Hurley!
Cathy, I absolutely love your laugh! Puts a smile on my face every time. Also, you have been an amazing asset to our team, especially this year. You are so consistent in the back row and I love it when you get those little tips right up front! Brrdp!
Carissa, whenever I hear the phrase “Coming in hot!” I will forever and always think of you. I love it when you do that roll shot down the line – gets the defense every time!
Megan L, I will never ever forget the Boston trip because of you and Mill going back and forth in the van; especially when we kinda got lost! We just should have listened to you for directions! U-turn!
Bree, Holy Smokes girl! You are a beast! You hit the ball so hard and I am so glad I was able to be on your side of the net. You have so much power when you play and I love your excitement! I am so glad that you did not let last year slow you down and that you came back this year killing it!
Tara, I absolutely love your laugh. Love it! Um…..what can I say about you other than you are amazing. You have improved so much over the last three years, and I love watching you play! So many times I think a ball is gonna hit the floor, and yet you always find a way to get a touch and pop it up.
Lexi! I love it when you dump it on the other team and they have no idea what just happened! I just love you! I think you are an AMAZING setter and I cannot wait to see you flourish in the next few years. You are definitely our city girl ?
Buns. Ummm…last year I was not sure if you talked, well this year you have definitely proved that wrong (in a very good way)! You are hilarious. I loved being in your van in Boston, especially when we got a little lost! You summarize the phrase “play big”. You may not be the tallest middle in the conference, but you have never let that stop you! Keep on doing that!
Kara – you can pound the snot out of that ball! Geez girl! Also, I feel privileged to be in your canoe during your first canoeing experience haha. I am just glad we never tipped!
Molly – you are a goon and I love you! I get so excited when you get those massive hands on the ball for a block and it goes straight down! The other team doesn’t stand a chance!
Mary -- you need to get mad and mean out there!!!! You are so tall that all you hits go straight down which leaves the defense wondering what just happened! I cannot wait to come back and watch you play next year! (Get mad at that ball!)
Janae – I love the energy and the dedication you bring to the team. Who knows, maybe we’ll make you into a setter by next season – I think we’re pretty close ?
Megan-you are so calm on the court and then you get off and you are full of energy! Thanks for being the fire for every huddle!
Jenna!!! You are hilarious! Thanks for being my cripple pepper partner the last week – we are so great at it! I know this year has been hard watching everyone else play but trust me, you will definitely have your chance to play soon enough. Just keep yourself healthy so that I can come back next fall and watch you dominate out there!
Nat – what would I have done without you this year? I love it when you are at the games cheering and helping out. You are an amazing girl and I know you will be successful because you have the attitude for it!
Past teammates Carolyn, T, Courtney, J-Lars, Pam, Britt, Mater, G, Wells, Linds, Rach, and Harstad! I miss you guys so much and it is so sad when you graduated. Thanks for teaching me so much and all of the memories! Volleyball would have been so different without you.
Jill, you have been the best roommate the last three years! Thanks so much for putting up with me and my random moments sometimes. I am so lucky I was able to meet you in Sister Clare’s BotZoo class right away freshman year, and look where that has taken us. Thanks for the long random talks, and for being a friend when I really needed one. You are going to make a difference in your life; you already have.
Bails and Elizabeth, what would I have done without both of you the last few years? You both have been there to support me through anything and listen to my rants about school, injuries, and whatever else is going on. Bailey; you are the best athlete I know and you push me to become better. You have been so successful at NMU and I cannot wait to see what these next two years bring for you. Soccer star next? I think so! Elizabeth what can I say except that we are pretty much the same person (even with the same injuries now haha). I cannot wait until we both have our own classrooms and we can share stories!
Ann, my whole Saint Mary’s dream would not have been possible without your help. You were the one who first introduced me to Saint Mary’s. I had never thought about going to a private school until we talked about it. Also, I cannot repay you for everything I have done for me these last few years. I truly appreciate everything you have done.
Kristi you have always been someone who I have looked up to ever since I have been little. You were an amazing athlete in high school and college and always pushed me to be my best whether it was on the court or in the classroom. I respect you so much and I thank you for welcoming me into your family like you have. You have been the older sister I never had and I hope that the next few years will bring us even closer.
The rest of my family and friends, there are too many of you to mention individually although I really have appreciated your support over the years. I love coming to games and seeing you all in the stands cheering us on. Nothing is better than playing in front of people who are supporting and engaged in the game like you are! Pat – love the signs, the white board, and the energy you bring to the games. We owe you! Nikki, thank you also so much for your support of Cardinal athletics, the volleyball team, and to me personally the last four years. It has meant so much to me to have an athletic director like you. Being a part of athletics here at Saint Mary’s has given me so much joy and I know I will miss it so much, but I will always be able to take the memories and experiences with me. CARDINAL PRIDE! |
