Everyone tries to figure out the best way to open their Senior Salute, because they want it to be perfect, but as I sit here on my couch (well Ball’s couch), trying to write this thing, all that I can think of is where the HECK (I promise not to swear, so I’ll speak Nicole language) has college went? Where did the time go? Never, did I think this day would come. Ever. Honestly, it’s probably because I didn’t want it to or because I’m clearly not ready to leave this place or be done with softball. What I do know is that it came way too fast. I know I put on this tough, city girl act, but I’m not very good at goodbyes; they scare the SHAT out of me. I hate being too sappy, so with that being said, I’m going to give this “goodbye” thing a shot. I have a lot of people to thank, so bare with me.
First, and foremost, I’d like to thank my parents, Jack and MaryKay, because without them none of this would’ve been possible. Mom and Dad, you guys are honestly my biggest fans. Since I can remember, you both have been there for me through everything, sports or not. When times got tough around the house or in your lives you still made the time to come see me play; you have no idea how much that truly means to me. I may have disappointed you here and there, but I’ve become the person I am today because of you. It has been a crazy 22 years, but I could not have done it without you both — you guys are my backbone, my best friends, my life and I love you both so much!
Along with thanking my parents, I’d also like to thank my sisters, Julianne and Elizabeth, my brother Jack, and the rest of my family. Jules- we’ve been inseparable since we were kids and I truly don’t know what I would do without you. You’re supper supportive of me and interested on how well I do even though you don’t know ANYTHING about sports, but you try and I give you props for that. Good luck with nursing school- you are going to do great! Liz- you are my mini-me, and always have been. We have become really close over the years and I want to thank you for being there for me when I needed you. You have so much potential; it scares me. Have a good last month of your senior year as well-live it up! Jack- you are another one of my biggest fans. You always call me and ask how my games went. I thank you for that because on days when I’m aggravated about my games, just being able to talk to you makes my day. I love and miss you three so much! Rest of family- (too many of you to name lol) thank you all for supporting me! I appreciate it and love you all! Thank you!
Coach Miller and Coach Bray- thank you for the past three years; they have been a blast! Miller thanks for all the advice on catching; I truly think I’ve become better behind the plate because of you. Also thank you for “chewing” me out when I’m up to bat and getting me pumped for games because that always helps.
Cbray- I’ll never forget the night I came home over summer to read your Facebook message about coming to tryout for the team. I never expected that. Thank you for presenting the opportunity for me to play for SMU and believing in me. I could not have done it without either of your support. Good luck with your future seasons!
Cassie (Coach Otte)- whoa that sounds weird…thank you for helping us out this year, but not only that, but for playing your last year with me! We didn’t get the opportunity to get close the year we played, but I think we’ve made up for that. You are such a great role model for all of us and I am truly going to miss you. I better be invited to your wedding-just sayin’. Good luck with everything!
Training room staff and Donny- thank you all for what you have done for us over the years! Thanks for taping my ankle and stimming me before games, I really appreciate it! Donny, thanks for traveling with us on trips and for all the write up’s and archives. You do so much for this school, it’s greatly appreciated!
Next I’d like to thank my best friend, Meghan. Meghan and I have gone to grade school, high school, and now college together. I did not plan on coming here at first so thank you Meg for all the praying you did in class in high school (haha). Thanks for always supporting me and coming to my games. I’ve spent the best 15 years as your friend and I can’t wait to experience what’s ahead for us after college. Love you!
808 block (Jew, Alice, Sarah, Stauffer, Erin, Gabby, Dutch, Sully, Morgan, Pebbs, Frank) it has been an interesting 2 years, but the time of my life to say the least. You guys are the best and I honestly couldn’t have imagined a better group to spend my last days with. Thank you guys for coming to my games and supporting me- I appreciate it. There’s so much I want to say to you guys and I will just not in here; look out for a letter. I love you guys and will miss you all so much! (Rachel, Kelsey, Megan Hen, Kayli, Tara, Nicky) Thank you all for coming to my games and cheering me on! I’m seriously going to miss you guys a ton! Letters are on the way for you all as well! Rugby boys- thank you guys for coming to our games and cheering us on! I have had the best four years here hanging out and being apart of your lives-it had been a blast! Kevin- you are my bestie here! I’m going to miss you next year! Keep doing work in Rugby!
Girls Hockey- you guys have been the best fans anyone can ask for! Thanks for coming out and cheering us on — we all appreciate it. Dakota, Kdoe, and Ceci, you guys are the best super fans ever! Thanks for decorating our locker room with signs and making it pretty (haha). You guys are the best! I’ll miss you girl’s next year-love love you guys! Good luck — all of you — next season! Look for me in the stands; I’ll be back to watch, no worries.
Past Players- You know who you all are. I just want to say thanks for giving me the opportunity to play with you all. I had a ton of fun when you were all on the team; it was seriously a pleasure!
Last, but not least, I’d like to thank my team. You guys have been the best group of girls I’ve ever played with. Honestly, I’m at a loss for words, because there’s so much I want to say to you guys, but this salute would end up being another 4 pages. I have had so much fun the past three years, and I don’t regret a singe minute being apart of this team.
Freshmen, you guys are such a good group of girls. You all are extremely talented and dedicated (Angie not so much-just kidding). Laura “Lawra Baltazar Ramboultini”- you have the best personality-ever! Seriously right away you opened up to all of us and fit right in; you weren’t scared one bit-I love that about you! Keep up the hard work; you’ve done a great job! Kristen- I’m so glad you came out to play with us. You are one of the hardest workers on this team and fastest; not to mention I’m jealous of your work ethic. Keep up the hard work! Samie (Samie Sweatheart) from the beginning I knew we would get along. You’re my dancing partner on and off the field. We’ve had some good times this year and some good laughs. Good luck next year! Angie (Angiebates4fish) fish is the right word to use because you are always being “fishy” (haha). Serious note: you are a great pitcher; don’t ever think less of that! I enjoyed being your catcher your first year and I couldn’t be happier that you ended up here. We got super close and I will truly miss your BUTT (there goes Nicole again) next year! Keep working hard on the mound and in class-believe me it’ll pay off!
Sophomores- you are not only the largest group of girls on this team, but you are one huge, talented, loud bunch! Leah- I’d tweet this to you, but I figured it would be more appropriate in this. I enjoyed playing with you these past couple of years and I must say we got a lot closer and learned about each other this past year. Keep working hard on and off the field. You so “BOSSSy” (haha). Erin “E”- you are fearless; nothing scares you. You know what you have to do and you get it done. I’ve enjoyed playing with you these past couple of years. You’ve helped me out on deck more than you know and I can’t explain to you how much that means to me. This team has a ton of confidence in you. Keep working them outside corners! Buege- you make me laugh each and every day. I honestly can’t imagine the team without you. You show no pain and I love that, but be smart about it! Keep up the hard work bud! Jules “Chaarls”- I knew you would be a huge asset to this team since the day I came to see you play. I’m not going to lie, you made me nervous, and still do. You are an incredible player and have the strongest arm I’ve ever seen. Your work ethic on and off the field inspires me- keep it up! I will miss you next year! Kayla- “Here we go 1-0! That’s all I think about when I think of you (haha). Well besides the fact that I found out you’re a Nicki fan like me! So glad you transferred back to play with us! You’re an amazing pitcher and have the sickest change up I’ve ever seen! Keep it up! Hailey “dooface”- since the first day I met you I knew we would become the best of friends. You have become such a great slapper-I’m seriously impressed! You worked your BUTT off in the off-season and boy has it paid off. Next semester is going to be the time of my life; I seriously can’t wait. You will literally be under the sink no joke (jaja) love you tons! Paige “Tamata”- where do I start? First of all, you kick ACE in the outfield! I love when there’s somebody on third and the ball gets hit to you and we have a close play at home; I know you’ll get it to me every time! You have been a beast at the plate all year! Next semester is going to be something I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to be your roomie! I’ll miss playing with you next year-love you so much!
Juniors-you three are all completely different people, but that’s what makes you guys such an interesting and fun group to be around. Bre- I don’t know anybody on the team that is as hard working as you- sure we all work extremely hard but I feel like you put your heart and soul into everything you do. Keep up the hard work; your improvement has really shown! Mich “Mitch,” I’m so glad you decided to come out and play with us! I loved having you on the team. You are by far one of the funniest people to be around. Your improvement has really shown and I enjoyed having you in the outfield. Keep up the hard work! Nicole- I’d put Olson, but you’ll probably rip my “effing” head off. I’ve had a SHAT ton of fun playing with you these past three years. You work so hard and are so dedicated; I look up to you for that. Keep working hard on and off the field — I’ll miss you next year!
Finally, my fellow seniors! You guys have become some of my best friends and I must say I don’t know what I’m going to do without you guys! Mal- if it wasn’t for our late night Perkins stops freshman year I don’t think I’d be on this team. Little did I know you were listening when I talked about playing ball here and I can tell you right now that I did not expect a message from Cbray that summer, so I thank you for that. Besides for being the one to “recruit” me (you love saying that), you’re also one of the best pitchers I’ve ever caught for- along with having intense intimidation on the mound. I will miss saying “Here we go 2-5…pitchin’ hard here (while hitting my chest protector) next year or cursing during our “timeouts” lol. Most of all I will miss you. Good luck with everything! HUG ME! Kellie “KellyAnn.” Where do I start? I’ma shine will FOREVER remind me of you and if I hear it anytime after today I might cry (haha). Hands down Kell, you are one of the best players on this team. Not only that, but you keep us all together. I’m going to miss looking down and seeing you at third because I feel like I could play forever with you on my team; I’m so confident in you at third! You’ve shown me what a hard worker is this year and I thank you for that. I thank you for pushing me in the offseason because I needed that. Thank you to your parents for being there when my parents weren’t able to be; they are great and I really appreciate it! What I’m truly going to miss is just hanging out and talking and seeing each other all the time because that is what means most to me! Good luck next year and with everything after that! I love you KellyAnn! Balls- “DRK” You have honestly become family to me- sometimes I wonder how I made it this far without you. Aside from softball you are someone I know I can count on. You know so much about me and are always there when I need you most. It’s going to be extremely weird next year when we’re not playing together. I’m really going to miss you kicking my shins and slapping my mask before each game. You became a beast at the plate this year and truly helped us out when we needed it most (always have to be the hero don’t you). I want to thank you for picking me up before, during, and after games; you shouldn’t have always had to do that, but you did and I’m thankful for that. We may be graduating soon, but next semester is going to be the time of our lives so lets make the best of it! Love you so much!
I also can’t forget … Jaci- my pitcher! It feels like yesterday I was catching for you. I must say I missed you a ton out there; it was a weird feeling not having you around. In the end it all worked out- you have a great job lined up for you already and are rolling in the dough! Lucky! I’m going to miss you so much next year! Stay in touch and good luck with everything! GUT- my B! I will seriously never forget you- how can I when your voice is constantly in my head..lol I can pick you out of a crowd anywhere! I really miss playing ball with you, but hey you’re having the time of your life without it! I’m truly going to miss you. If you’re ever in the CHI hit me up! Love you! SHARPE- there’s so much to say BAB dat I don’t know where to start. I will say that this year had been weird without you around. I miss playing ball with you, but it’s worked out in the end for you. You’re senior year has been worth while and on top of that you got yourself a crossing guard job and got the opportunity to serve Sloppy Joe’s in the caf! (haha) Honestly I’ m going to miss just hanging out and being around you. We’ve gotten super close over the years and I truly don’t know how I’m going to be without you around 24/7. Good luck with everything Bab! I love you!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life it’s that life’s to short and it goes by fast, so enjoy life as it is and live each day like it’s your last. Playing SMU Fast pitch has been more than a pleasure, it’s been a dream and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve made some of the best friendships here on and off the field and I could not have done it with out all these people! Deep down I am truly going to miss this place, it has been all I’ve known for the past four years. Thank you everyone for making this experience possible; I can now say that I’ve truly had the time of my life. |
