Everyone always says your four years in college go by so fast, that couldn’t be more true. I cannot believe I am a senior and the day to write my Senior Salute is finally here. I will miss playing competitive softball more than anything. Being a part of Cardinal softball was an absolute honor and privilege. I will literally be depressed the last time I walk off the field.
Dad- Thank you for teaching me all about the game. You were my hero while growing up, and still are. I know it took me forever to learn what a force out was! Haha, I can still see us sitting at the kitchen table with a map of the field drawn out. You were my coach for many years, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one. You always know exactly what to say to make me feel better on the days I went 0 for 5 or gave up 3 bombs. Thanks for not being a hot headed dad and telling me I sucked, when I really did! I’m truly blessed to have the best dad in the world. Thank you for always finding the time to play ball with me. I love you.
Mom- Thanks for always believing in me and being my number one fan. You were always running to everyone’s game when we were younger, trying to make it to everyone’s travel ball games, thanks for always being there. It’s a sign of relief when I see you in the stands. Thanks for always being just a phone call away when I need someone to talk to. Thanks for all that you do, on and off the softball field. You are one of the hardest working women I have ever known, I love you so much and so proud to have a mom like you.
Kelsey – FRICKIN WOW!!! Thank you for making it to one of my college games! JK ? I know you’re busy with work and school. I hope you enjoyed Arizona with us this Spring. I will miss watching you and Ash playing together. I am so proud of the wonderful adult you are becoming. You were always one of the first ones I’d call to talk to with anything. Thanks for being my best friend, I love you so much!
Ashley aka Pam Pam aka Harriet (that’s an old one) – Thanks for always being my biggest fan, you were always the first to know how I did because all of the updates are sent to your phone! Although you spent many games wrapped up in a blanket and texting, I know you were always that proud little sister sitting behind the backstop. You have so much talent; I can’t wait to watch you grow as a ball player. Thanks for being my best friend, I love you so much.
Nate, Laura & the BOYS- Thanks for trying to make as many games as you can, or shooting me good luck texts before my games. I know all my teammates love Ryder and Layton, so thanks for bringing them along as well. I can’t wait to make it to your games, and the boys’ when they get older. They will hit bombs just like their aunt ? I love you guys.
Grandma & Grandpa Betzold: Thank you SO much for coming to as many games as possible! It meant the world to me! I hope you enjoyed your time in Arizona for spring training, I know I enjoyed seeing familiar faces so far away from home! I love you both very much!
Carolyn – Thank you for always believing and being there for me, whether it was homework, softball, or just life issues. I would not be here if it wasn’t for you, I want to thank you for taking a chance on me. You are a great person, coach, mentor and most of all friend to me. You are a very personable coach and very easy to get along with. Again, I don’t want to think about where I would be without you. I can’t thank you enough!
Miller – Thank you for all the small things you do. You were always there for me on and off the field. To throwing me extra batting practice, or helping me with ALL of my car troubles! You bend over backwards for all of your players, and it is much appreciated. Thank you for all you do for the fastpitch program.
Coach Otte: It has been fun playing with you for two years and also having you as an assistant coach! Thanks coming after you worked your big girl job! You were/are a great player and have taught the slappers and outfield a lot this year!
To my Seniors: I could not have asked for 3 better seniors to graduate with. You are all hardworking, dedicated, talented players.
Balls: WEEWOO WEEWOO here comes the meat wagon. “I gotta go to the bathroom daddy, NOT NOW DAMMIT!” New guy's around the corner puking his guts out. **** YA (drinks redbull) GAME TIME. Haha. Thanks for always being able to make me laugh on and off the field. You are a great shortstop and I know you always have my back. WAR PAINT!! …& he is still staring! Muffin Man! Good luck with everything, I know you will do great. Give this to Kevin. Ground pillows. Does this tie make me look fat? No, your face does... Hey, I'll tell you what. You can get a good look at a butcher's a** by sticking your head up there. But, wouldn't you rather to take his word for it? No, I mean is, you can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking your head up a butcher's a**... No, wait. It's gotta be your bull. I have what doctors call a little bit of a weight problem. I used to grab bear claws as a kid, two at a time, and I'd get them lodged right in this region here. Hey lady there’s a giant whale on your boat... Rascals! Haha okay, I have to stop. I love that movie.
Jo: I am so happy you decided to come out and play after freshmen year. MY recruit ? You are a great catcher and always seem to be on the same page as me. I’ll never forget after that Wheaton game… “hug me!” “get it together red, this team is crap!” I love the story of your brother kicking dirt and swearing! Haha, too cute!
Kellie: Who woulda thought the first time we ever met was at that showcase in the cities and then play together the next four years. You are a rock star third basemen and gobbled up all those bunts. Sorry for yelling at you when you field the bunts! “HUSTLE KELLIE!” haha, I get nervous! Way to rock it at Ms. Cardinal this year!
Mitch aka MOTHER NATURE: Thanks for always doing my hair, expect for that time at 530AM. You always make bombface shoe lace catches in right! Keep rockin it! PS. WE WON MS. CARDINAL
Breezy: You are such a hard worker! All the little things you do really pay off! Thanks for always being speedy on those bases! – and HI COLE, thanks for always helping out with fundraisers and supporting the SMU ball team. You rule!
Olson: You are one of the nicest kids around. Keep working hard… and inviting your dad to the games ;) JK Mr. Olson.
Hailey AKA POWERBOLT: You have grown so much as a player. You have really stepped it up and helped our line up! Keep working hard! “High school was really tough for me SO BACK OFF!!” Where’s left field going.. you have center.. I know but where is left going.. you have center!
Paige: You are a great leader on the field. Keep swinging dat bat. Next year you won’t be able to “play” with Mikko. We have great taste in shoes.
Erin: Thanks for always going over our away game check list with me! “Glove..cleats..jersey..pants..” I can always hear you from left field. You are a great person and very talented! Keep up the good work! And thank you Mr. Stenseth for keeping book on our spring trip!
Toast: You have a rocket for an arm! Keep working hard! Thanks for always being willing to catch for me! Best of luck!
Buege: Your dance moves are SICK! Haha, wish you the best of luck with your last two years!
Leah: I’m still waiting on that red gatorade & you better learn to drive a stick! Keep up the good work!
Samie: Hi Samie! Thank you for all the hard work you do, including our team laundry! I appreciated it very much! I expect to see you on some break dancing tv show soon! ? Good luck with everything!
Kristen: You are a great teammate. You do all the little things that really helped me as a player, such as always having a ball for my when I came in from first base! Keep doing the little things and big things will follow!
Laura: I will NEVER forget that “catch” you made in right field in practice that one day. OH EM GEE. Funniest thing I have seen in a long time! Hahaha! Good luck next year; make sure you scoop everything at first base! REPRESENT!
My pitching staff: I couldn’t have asked for a better staff to work with my senior year. I have learned a lot from both of you, and I hope you have learned something from me! Ang: You have so much talent and will be rockin it next year, you know I will be checking stats every game! Hope you get a JOB this summer! Hahah! Kayla: You really stepped up and filled some shoes this season! It is always nice to have each other’s backs and be there for one another. I think we did a great job this season and I am so proud of both of you! Keep working hard, and good things will come! And we are NOT PRINCESSES... Well at least me and Kayla! Haha, sorry Ang!
To all my friends, co-workers, roommates, family, etc,: Thanks for supporting and believing in me. Even if you only made it to one game, it still meant the world to me.
To all my former teammates: G, Thesing, Fitz, Maddy, Hanna, Ang, Bood, JAL, Pulvy, E, Sharpe, Jaci: Thanks for all the hard work and dedication you gave to the SMU program. I had fun learning and playing with all of you. Wish you all the best.
Donny, Toni, Nikki: Thanks for all the hard work you did behind the scenes in the athletic department! I knew I could check the website 10 minutes after my game and have an update! Thanks again for all the support.
Chad aka Bo**e*: Thanks for supporting the SMU team. You are a super fan and I always get a kick outta laughing with you! It was fun having you on our spring trips, especially junior year where you STUNK up the room. Haha SICK!
Jor: Thanks for always healing my wounds. You are the best! Also, thanks for cooking for us.. I know we ate A LOT. Good luck with your new journey to the cities! Stay in touch! Hi Mikko!
With that being said, I think it is time for me to take off my cleats one last time. It’s weird to think I’ve done something every year for the past 15 years and to know my time has come to an end is mind blowing. I don’t know how I’ll be able to just stop, but it’s time for bigger and better things! I will not be a stranger to the softball field. My passion for the game is really what has driven me to success. What I’ve been able to experience in the sport of softball has been far beyond my wildest dreams, but believe me, it can happen to you, too. |
