Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I vividly remember the day trying to convince my parents that I didn’t want to come to Saint Mary’s. It was in too small of a town, not enough people, and not enough to do. Hamline was where I wanted to go, it had the location I loved, close to home, and it seemed like they had everything I would ever need there. Yet, my dad urged me to at least give it a try, I had nothing to lose. They had given me more of a scholarship, and the playing potential for basketball looked bright, not to mention the great education I’d be receiving. Needless to say, after an overnight visit where Stephanie Ayers took me in like one of the girls on the team, I knew that this was where I wanted to be. It was then that I realized it wasn’t where or what the school was like, it was about the people that you surround yourself with to make that experience truly meaningful. While my college years have been some of the best of my life, I know this is just a small chapter, but it will be remembered for all of the memories, and strong relationships I have built that I know will last and be cherished. This “farewell” wouldn’t be quite complete without the appropriate thanks to those who have really influenced me as a player, teammate, and most importantly, person.

First and foremost, I have to thank the coaches that I have had and have influenced me greatly as a player. Mr. Downs: Having you as my high school coach was such a blessing. I cannot remember a coach that I have had that has stuck with me so consistently like you did. No matter how many turnovers I had, or shots I missed, you ensured me the next would go in, that you had all of the confidence in the world in me. The sense of community and family that you established on our team each year was amazing; the traditions and rituals are ones that will stick with me forever. You made sure that all of your players felt valued and important, and taught us more than the game of basketball; you taught us how basketball could teach us life lessons.

Coach “T”: I can’t tell you how much fun I had playing for you junior and senior year. I think when you weren’t wearing your “coaching” pants, I was constantly laughing at your sarcasm and humor. Thanks for always letting me crash summer camps and keeping up with how I am doing down here at Saint Mary’s. Although I’ve been away at college, I still find myself looking up to you as a person and a coach; I appreciate everything you have done for me and know that our relationship will continue outside of basketball.

Mindy Hansen: Working with you as a personal trainer was one of the best things I did to better myself as a basketball player. From the 8 am summer workouts, to the one on one training sessions where you kicked my butt playing one on one, these sessions completely transformed me as a player. You would keep telling me how much potential I had, and how I needed to just use it! I’ll never forget how much you built my confidence and led me to believe in myself. I completely looked up to you; I emulated your hard work and wanted to do better. Thank you for believing in me and instilling that belief in me.

Coach Ehlert: What to say about someone who is goofier than I? I can’t say how much you made my day by your jokes, your ridiculous no-look half court shots, or your sincere pep talks that happened once in a blue moon. I realize that you had to go off to bigger and better things at your head coaching job, but know that the team and I miss you dearly. So many times this year I wished to see you on the track, suited up in your old school jersey, rocking the headband and upside down sideways visor. On a more serious note though, you were such a great coach, and you always had a way to make me forget about what I was worried about and go out there and play with the utmost confidence. I know that you are doing such a great job as head coach and know those girls are looking up to you so much, as I am.

Coach Freddy: To be honest, coming into the season knowing our assistant coach was the MIAC player of the year the previous year (and playing against you), was a little difficult. All I wanted was for you to be the meanest, cockiest person, but unfortunately (and fortunately) you weren’t. You were so amazingly humble and only had the intention of doing whatever you could in your power to make our program better. Your ability to break down things for me was something I really appreciated these last couple of years. I have the utmost respect for you and thank you so much for reassuring me these past couple of years that we were capable of great things.

Coach Boese: Even though I have only known you for about a half a year, I just hope you know all of the humor you supplied me with in Colorado. I will miss making fun of you for not being able to tie your own tie, and buffing your head till it is shiny. I hope to see you coaching here next year so these jokes shall continue.

Coach Pearson: On the court, you have helped me to focus, relax, and just attack and be confident with myself with any decision I make. You have stuck with me through endless turnovers, stupid shots, lack of focus, and still you showed your strong belief in me. Your competitive edge is something I envy so much; although, it did make me giggle a few times in practice when you’d refuse to stop a drill until you won?. I can’t tell you how selfless you have been for me as a player and a person. Your genuine interest in me, my well-being, and even my family is something I really have appreciated throughout my time here with you, and something that you do so well as a coach. I know how much you went out of your way for us, and especially us as seniors; asking for our input constantly, trying to make sure that this year was the best it could possibly be for us. It has been such an honor playing these four years for you and finally seeing all of our hard work pay off. I know that at times, the work seemed ridiculous, but I wanted to thank you for pushing me all these years and ensuring me that it would pay off. I couldn’t have imagined a better season to end with, and thank you for that.

The girls I have played with here at Saint Mary’s are some of the best things I am taking away from school. Whenever people ask me what I like about playing college basketball, I always say aside from playing a sport I love, I have a great family here; these relationships are some that I will have for a lifetime.

Freshmen: This class is truly something special. I can’t remember a closer group of girls, and in such a short amount of time. You are all so genuine and real, and playing with you girls has been such a fun experience. I am so thankful that this year has been such a fun and successful year, and I have you girls to thank for this. All I have to say is do not take this experience for granted, and take chances while you are in school, because this is the best time to do it. Four years goes by faster than you would believe.

Sophomores: Wow, what a talented and fun class. Renee (Ron): You are such an amazing point guard and more importantly great person. I have had the so much fun playing with you, and getting to know you off the court. You have so much ahead of you and have so much going for you. Jess (JT): Oh, Jessica. Your sarcasm is something I appreciate and love (even though it gets you in trouble sometimes) and will miss so much. Your ability to see the court so well is something I have wished I could do. I hate that we decided to become friends so late, but I will come back to see you, and we all know you’ll be up in the cities?. You have the greatest family and I thank them too for all of the support! Jamie (Janice): Your potential is ridiculous. You are going to do so much in the next couple of years, I can’t wait to see it unfold. Besides being an obvious player, you are such a nice girl. Thank you for always being there with words of encouragement when I was struggling. Courtney A (GF/ Bambi): I hope you know how much I have enjoyed playing and getting to know you these last couple of years. You are such an athlete and will do so well with basketball; please don’t have too much fun without me next year, I will come back for those crazy dance parties.

Juniors: Britt (B-squared): Too many memories with you to even pinpoint, but you just have to know how much I have appreciated all the hard work you have put forth the last three years. Your knowledge of the game surpasses your years. Thanks for always being there. Amber: Even though I have only known you less than a year, I know that you are a great teammate; no matter what role coach would give you, you always worked your butt off every single practice. Kristen: Your desire and love for the game is so fun to see. No matter if you got 15 seconds, or 15 minutes, that time was spent giving your all. Getting to know you off the court has made me realize how selfless and giving you are. Thanks for reminding me to grab my jersey, shoes, etc, etc...without you I probably would be buying new shoes every other week. Know how much I have appreciated your support throughout the last three years. Emily: Thanks for your dedication throughout the past three years; you know the game so well (I think you have your Dad to thank for that). Your humor and stories will be missed; keep up your hard work!

Cherie (Cherry): You have been such an amazing teammate and friend to me over the past four years. From our freshman year, to now, I can say that we have been through thick and thin together. You have always been there for me whenever I needed to vent or just needed a friend; I always know I can count on you. You are such a great point guard and I have been so lucky to play four healthy years with you. You have so much going on for yourself; I know your future is extremely bright. I know this isn’t goodbye, because this is a relationship that will last long after basketball ends.

Kim (Kimmy, Kimmy-Poo): Sharing the love of movie quotes is probably what bridged our friendship. I am truly envious of your ability to remember everything you hear. But seriously, you are such a great player and friend. I am so glad you decided to stay your super senior year, because it wouldn’t have been the same without you. You are so caring to all of the people in your life, and I know you are going to make a great teacher in the future. Thanks for being immature with me.

Throughout the years here at Saint Mary’s, I have been blessed enough to have amazing and supportive fans. Steph: Thanks for taking me under your wing freshman year, and making me feel completely welcome. I’ll never forget my overnight visit with you and how you did everything in your power to make me feel like a part of the team. Even though you had to leave the team, I am so lucky to have you in my life sis; I think you are one of the most genuine and caring person I have ever met and you’ve always been there for me no matter what. Thanks for encouraging me from the sidelines these past three years and just being there as one of my best friends and sister?. Bre and Shannon: Living with you girls last year was such a blast! I miss it so much. You two were always at every single game you could possibly make it to and always open ears when I was having a tough time with basketball. Thanks for always being there for the games, and for just being there as great friends. It has really been different without you guys this year. 519 reunion!? Katie: You are literally such a caring person, I know I didn’t make it to a lot of your games last year, and yet even if you have something going on, you make a point to make it to even a little bit of the game. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate seeing you on the sideline cheering me on, and of course for always listening to me vent after a frustrating patch during the season, or just to talk. I am so lucky I met you sophomore year in education and can’t wait to come see you in Chicago! Donny (campus safety): Thank you so much for always supporting us and me throughout these last four years. Even though you couldn’t void my parking tickets, I have appreciated all the encouragement throughout the years. Britt (TT): Oh B. Remember when we came in freshman year and it was love at first sight? I sure do. Sure, you thought I was a stuck up at first, but you saw right through it! Seriously though, you have been such a huge part of my life these past four years, and this experience here wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable without you. From the movie quotes, late night laughing attacks, diet coke runs, futon sharing, I could probably go on forever. You always put me first ahead of yourself and always made me feel like things were going to be okay; what best friends should say. I know you’ll always be in life no matter where we are or what’s going in our lives. Thanks for supplying more laughs than I could ever imagine in a lifetime.

Of my biggest fans has to be without a doubt my family. Without them, I probably wouldn’t be playing basketball and enjoying it as much as I do. Josh: I know that everyone describes us as polar opposites, but I think that is what makes us get along as well as we do. Our entire lives, basketball has taken up so much time and I know time that probably took away from you and what you are really passionate about; I’m so lucky to have you as a brother because you never made me feel bad about it. You’ve always taught me to take chances and do what makes me happy. I have always looked up to you and have been so thankful to have an older brother like you, thanks for everything Josh!

Aunt Amy: Oh my gosh, I’m serious! Having you as an aunt, and friend, has been so much fun. Your support throughout the years has been endless and I know will continue long after basketball ends. Going to the farmer’s market with our mom’s in the summer, going to Byerly’s with grandpa, all of these traditions will continue, and be added to. I can’t imagine a better role model for me to have as I have grown up. Thank you for always giving me advice, looking out for me, and being just a great friend throughout the years.

Dave and Bonnie: Although were not legal family, I needed to put you in the “family” section. Thanks for supporting me throughout my time here; you both have been absolutely amazing always coming to any games you can, checking up on how the team is doing, and asking Britt if I can get on the phone to catch up. You both are like family to
me and I am so blessed to have met your daughter, thanks for everything!

Grandma and Grandpa: I really can’t put into words how lucky and thankful I am having you as such a large part of my life. Of course, basketball has been such a large part of our lives for so long, and I thank you for coming to every single game, tournament, nationals, scrimmages, absolutely anything related to basketball you both were there. Grandma, I don’t think I know a more enthusiastic, positive, encouraging, and downright amazing person. You seriously amaze me. I can’t tell you how much I love receiving your cute text messages and your little packages throughout the school year. Grandpa, I really can’t tell you how much I have missed you this last half of the year; and I know you have felt the same. But just know how much I have valued and loved having you at all of my games from the day I started. I can’t wait to come home this summer, have our four hour long Byerly’s chats, and basically catch up with one of my best friends. You both have inspired me so much as a person and have influenced me more than you will ever know. Thanks for everything.

Mom and Dad: First of all, thanks for all of the years of driving, flying, traveling, and supporting me with basketball and any other sport I was in for all of these years. You both were always there no matter how long of a day you had, things that needed to get done at home, and you always were there. I can’t say how much our relationship has grown since I have gone to college, and it is the best thing in the world. Dad, even though your sarcasm and jokes make me want to kick you, I can’t imagine a more giving dad. It has always been about what you can do for me and our family and less about yourself. I am so excited that I will be able to come up to the cabin more and enjoy the things basketball might have gotten in the way of. Mom, what do I say to someone who has done absolutely everything and anything for me? I hope you know how much I genuinely enjoy spending time with you and find myself wishing you were down here so I could tell you all about my awesome weekend, day, test, etc! For you, it was never about the basketball, it was about supporting me with whatever it was that made me happy; thanks for always being there and for being one of my best friends.

Sorry for this ridiculously long Senior Salute; I guess it was just more difficult putting into words all of the thanks you owe so many people for being there all of those years. Saint Mary’s has given me more in four years than I ever thought possible. Thanks for everything!