Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Most people only have four years to prepare for this day; I was one of the lucky ones that got five. Coming out for basketball my sophomore year was one of the scariest and best decision that I have made. Basketball has been such an important part of my life for so long I owed it to myself to try. From the first time I dribbled a ball when I was four years old I have been completely hooked on basketball. Thinking how much I have changed from that time, I can’t help but think I would not be the person I am today without basketball. I’ve learned so many life lessons through this sport that made it bigger than a game to me. Now that I am approaching my future I’m hopeful and excited to start the next portion of my life; knowing that my skills I learned through team sports will help me in my career.
First, I’d like to thank the most important people in my life; my parents. I will never fully realize everything that you have sacrificed for me to play but just know that I appreciate it more than you will know. Dad, you are the most selfless person I know. You have done everything you could to support and give me the best life you could. Your compassion for other people is unreal. I hope that a little of those qualities have rubbed off on me. Mom, you are truly fearless. You have taught me so much about what it is to be a competitor and a teammate. You have always believed in my abilities and never let me think differently. You have always support whatever I wanted to do; and I never will forget that. I know how hard it has been for you two to not be at all my games in Minnesota, but regardless you two have always been my biggest fans. We can both agree that throughout the years you have been to countless number of AAU, fall league, middle school, and high school games. When things were difficult I could always count on you guys to put things in perspective. So thank you million times over and I love you!

When I was little I always wanted to be like my big brother. I was probably really annoying to him growing up. As we grew up though it became evident that we were completely different personalities, but I think this is why we were able to get along and become friends. I know growing up that basketball was a huge time commitment for me and our parents; thank you for understanding that. You never complained about the time that was spent at games and even though you might not think so I always loved seeing you in the stands. I love you john and I appreciated your annoying big brother protection throughout the years.

To the Holtz’s, thank you so much for the support you have given me. I really valued the road trips you guys have taken with my family to see me play. Although some of the games were brutal to watch you always had positive things to say to me after. I love you all so much.

To my best friends and past roomies Kaffine, Mara, Courtney, and Alyssa; the four years we spent at SMU together were the best years of my life. From our first meet in Skemp freshman year to our Florida trip it has been a non-stop laugh. Through those four years we grew up together and really became a family. I’m so happy that we were able have the time we did. I know that you girls were not the biggest fan of women’s basketball but you  still came to my home games and cheered for me in the stands. You always had nice things to say to me after the game even if it was, “you looked good out there in your uniform,” because you were unsure of what happened. I will never forget our memorable times just chilling on the futon. I can’t wait for our future trips together and our lives ahead! Love you girls!

My favorite part of basketball is the team aspect. Working, struggling, and succeeding together is why I love basketball. What makes this so special is the teammates that I have had. To my Freshman: Kate, Katie, Amber, and Abby; I’m so happy that I have gotten to know each and everyone one of you. Each of you brings a great addition to the team. Here some super senior advice; don’t sweat the small stuff, enjoy the time you have and get to know everyone on your team you won’t regret it. Courtney Early in the gym I have to tell you are absolutely hilarious. You are an amazing basketball player and person. I love goofing around with you so much, even if I do come off immature. You are going to be a great teacher and I can’t wait to hear about you killing it next year on the court.

Sophomores: Jess and Renee; oh how I will miss the trio. I’ve had a blast with you two these past two years. I’m happy that we got closer this year and was included in your pregame trio. You two are going to be great leaders for the team. Courtney A I’m so glad that someone else shares my fear of squirrels. Your enthusiasm for your teammates is incredible and your energy on the court is so great for the team. Jamie I loved being your teammate these past two years. You have grown so much as a player and when this knee heals up you are going to be unstoppable. Plus it has been awesome having another die hard packer fan on the team. Go Pack Go! Juniors: Emily, you are the ultimate teammate; constantly cheering and pushing your teammates to get better. We’ve had some good times these past 3 years and can’t wait to come back and visit you and get some good stories. Kristin, you are one of the hardest workers I know. I respect your dedication and your drive to get better. Plus you have the prettiest hair I have ever seen. Brittany, B-town, or B squared I have loved getting to be your teammate these past 3 years. You put the team before yourself and always give 100% every game. You are truly a baller!

Jenny: I’m so happy that we got to live together this year. I was nervous about staying a fifth year without my old roommates but you were absolutely awesome to live with. You are one of the funniest people I know, even though you sometimes do not realize you are being funny. Even though you were injured this season you still gave 100% to the team. I appreciated your support throughout the season and can’t wait for your knee to heal up so you can kick some butt next season. I’m going to miss you so much next year, and when the season is over your cooking lessons from me and Cherie will begin so we know that you will be taken care of next year.

Cherie and Jess:?You girls are more than just teammates to me. I would not have picked any other 2 people to have gone through this journey with. Jess — Can you believe it has been four years already. That’s the thing! You are one of the most caring and nurturing people I know Thank you so much for all the encouraging text messages, heart to heart talks, and coffee runs throughout the years. You are going to have such an amazing future, you are a natural teacher and your future students will be lucky to have you. I can’t wait for more Shania Twain and Colorado to come. Cherie — four years ago when we first met, I thought you were so scary. Little did I know that you would become one of my best friends. Your competitive drive has helped push me to become better. I have never known anybody more driven to their team than you. You have been a great leader and teammate. You have helped me become less gullible; which to be honest is a really valuable life skill. I’m so happy that we have gotten to have so many adventures though out college, and hopefully we can knock a couple more off the bucket list.

To my former teammates, D, Nicholle, Jess, Kelly, and Alyse each of you have an influence on me. Thank you for being so nice to me when I joined the team. All of you were great teammates and I have has so much fun with you throughout the years. Thanks for everything!

I’ve had the opportunity to be coached by some amazing people throughout my career here. Coach Freddy; I remember your interview with our team 3 years ago; I kept thinking if she can handle this awkward situation she is going to be a great coach. And I was right. I want to thank you for your tireless work ethic to make me better. I really appreciate all the extra time and energy you have put into this program. You were the perfect fit for this program and I’m so grateful you were my coach. Coach Pearson: Over these past four years, you have done a great job turning this team into a family. Thank you for all the work you have put into this program and me. You go above and beyond to help every member of this team. Thank you for helping me improve and become a better basketball player, but mostly thank you for giving the opportunity to play college basketball. I also appreciate that we both understand how embarrassing it is to fall while demonstrating a basketball drill.

I also want to thank our trainer, Mary. She has really been a part of this team since she has been working with us. I always want to apologize I was not the easiest to work with. Thank you for always taking care of me even if I didn’t want it. You have been so great to our team and I’m grateful that you are our trainer.

In addition to my family, teammates and coach’s I want to thank the Kulig’s and Miller’s. Both families have been so awesome at letting me stay at their house and eat their food. I have appreciated your support and yummy treats at our games throughout the years. It has been nice knowing that no matter what gym we go to there will be at least a couple of SMU fans.

I want to conclude my salute with some advice to my teammates. This time goes by fast (yes even 5 years) so have fun with each other. Being a part of this team is an amazing opportunity, don’t take it for granted. I love you all and I’m so thrilled that I’ve gotten to be your teammate. Thanks for everything!