Looking back at your entire soccer career and knowing it is coming to an end is an odd feeling. Writing this senior salute is a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. There is just so much to reminisce on and be thankful for. Coming out of high school college soccer was only an aspiration of mine, something I thought I could maybe do. I was not recruited by any coach. Having no idea what it would be like or if I would even make the team, walking on to Saint Mary’s soccer, I was simply giving it a shot. And I am so glad I did.
Glancing at my career numbers up above will tell you nothing about my experience playing four years of soccer at Saint Mary’s. Although I really never got the chance to truly play in a varsity game, I do not discredit or regret my time as a soccer student athlete whatsoever. It has given me so much to be proud of and cherish, aside from mere statistics. Of course if I said it was not a struggle then I would be lying. There were plenty of hard times, times I thought about quitting and hanging up the boots. I stuck with it though, which brings me to my first thank you. I would like to thank anyone who ever came up to me at some point in my four years asking me why I was not getting playing time and reassuring me that I did have the skill to compete, when my confidence was low. Honestly, those words of belief were what kept me going. Even through all the hardships there were always great times. I do not think I could have ever quit on the amazing people who were a part of this team with me. So many memories and so many people to recognize I do not know where to begin.
I will start with the ones who have gotten me to this point, my biggest supporters, and number one fans, my family. To my parents, I do not think I can thank you enough for everything you have done for me. From coaching me as a kid to coming to Winona to commemorate my soccer career on Senior Day with me. Dad, you were always a tough coach and stern critique, which is definitely what I sometimes needed. Skill wise, and soccer smarts, I would not be where I am today if it were not for you. Mom, although you may have missed some of my goals on account of chatting with the other parents, you were always my favorite fan. A shocking gasp when I was fouled or a nervous cheer when I got near the goal, I could pick out exactly where you were in the crowd. This gave me the confidence I needed because wherever I was on the field I could feel you pulling for me! To my twin brother Adam, who my teammates did not know about until around the beginning of my junior year (it just never came up!), who knew we would go to different colleges in the same city? I know I didn’t. I really am happy it turned out that way though. Living with you this past summer was a blast. Thanks for all the training you have helped me with throughout the years. My family has been my lifeline all through my soccer career. Thank you again; I love you guys.
Moving from my parents and brother, now I must recognize my second family, my teammates. One thing playing college soccer taught me is that you never know who you will be teamed up with. I have had a very wide range of teammates in the past four years. From a hard-nosed guy from Detroit to a Bahamian who calls me “Mr. Lusch” on the field, I have had the pleasure to play with many different characters and I am happy to say I have become friends with all of them.
To the older guys I got to play with when I was a freshman, I like to thank you for getting me ready for the college game. You guys showed me how to play tough and go hard on the field. Our trip to England was unforgettable. Playing with all of you, and coach Dembiec, beating that team 7-5, was one the greatest moments of my life. There are so many memories from the trip I will always take with me. I’m thankful I could share the experience with all of you who were there with me. The Cardinal Terrace lives on! (Because all those tattoos are permanent) haha
Bourgoine – My best friend who was a big reason why I even chose to attend SMU, I wish you could have stayed all four years with me. However, rooming together in Ed’s freshman year was a hell of a time that I will never forget. 4 a.m. waking up and you’re still up playing FIFA, I would just smirk and fall back asleep. I never knew how you did it. Meyer – You are one of the craziest kids I know and I love you for it. The stories we have made together are never ending. Let’s finish out our senior year strong. To Bill Brasky! Bobby – I had a great time rooming with and getting to know you last year. You are something else. Never forget your Leaguing days with Meyer and I. I know you cherish them. Lol I hope your big boy job is still going well. Oh, and thanks for not letting Vera eat me so I could get to this senior year. Neu – You are one of the nicest guys I know. Even though you do give me a lot of crap I know it is just because I will always be a freshman to you. Rooming together two years in a row now, I have had a great time. You will always be a Backstreet Boy for life.
To the four other seniors being honored on this day with me, we knew the majority of our class was not going to last all four years. It was interesting to see how it panned out and I am very pleased to be in this group of five who made it to the end. Bina – Mama Bina – Your persistence always surprised me. Thanks for everything you do for this team. There have been so many memories made since captain’s practice when we were freshman. I know if I ever have trouble remembering some of them I just have to come to you. (A lot them made it on your phone) Gunnar – What is there to say? You are the Good Daddy. This has probably been noted in multiple senior salutes already, but you cannot be mentioned without it… HEEEEAAA!!! And don’t forget the HIMYM. All funny noises aside though, you are one of the most talented players I have ever had the chance to play with. Your composure on the field never ceased to amaze me. I wish you luck for any soccer aspirations you attempt in the future. Kam – Another astonishingly skilled play I have had the pleasure of sharing the field with. You little muscle hamster; I don’t think I ever succeeded in knocking you off the ball. I had a blast living with you off campus last year. Puff Daddy – We must be pretty close since everyone gets our names switched up. You have been a great friend to me over these four years. I may crab at you sometimes, but deep down I can never stay mad at you. Living so close I hope we keep in touch when school is over.
To the class below me, and when I say class I mean Highlighter – Every team needs that one goofy kid and I’m glad you are ours. Tattoos, dreads, and neon clothing, your nickname suits you perfectly because you were always the one to brighten up the team. I know all the guys you came in with have left the team. Keep up the hard work though. Making it to the end is definitely worthwhile. Petrich, Goosey, Van Deezy, G-Baby – Two more years may sound like a long time, but trust me it goes by extremely fast. I have had a great time playing with and getting to know you guys.
To my boys on JV – Reserve team represent! You guys have made this senior season a memorable one for me. I am so glad I got the chance to play some games and tear up some other reserve teams with you guys. We played well together and never let down. Don’t worry Hofbauer, I never forgot about you guys. I know coming in as a freshman is hard. Especially when you come in with thirty eight other kids (or however many there are of you). To the entire freshman class I just have to say playing soccer here is such a privilege that you should not take for granted. Four years fly by in an instant and you do not realize it until you get to this point. Keep working hard and never forget to keep having fun. I admire all of you and wish you the best of luck with the seasons to come.
To my new coaches who were implemented half way through my college career, I thank you for everything you have taught me. Coach Watkins – You were a perfect choice to turn this program around. It is a great feeling to finally see this team generate some success. And this success has been generated because of what you have done with this program in only two years. I am so glad I could stick around long enough to be a part of it. Coach Drew – I think I have spent more time with you out on the practice field and reserve games. I want to say thanks for always believing in me and giving me those chances to prove myself. I wish you guys luck with the rest of your coaching careers.
Last, but certainly not least, to my amazing girlfriend Carissa – Thank you for always being there for me during my soccer career. You helped keep me going when I was feeling down. It was unfortunate that your volleyball games were usually at the same time as our soccer games. However, you made it to as many games as you could. After long, cold games I knew you were at I would always looked forward to the warm hug you gave me when I walked off the field, thank you.
As this chapter of my life comes to an end I look back and feel accomplished. Even though I was not the star player, or inspiring captain it does not take away from my remarkable experience playing four years of Saint Mary’s soccer. I am grateful for anyone and everyone who has been a part of this journey with me. I will cherish all the memories and good times for the rest of my life. SMU soccer will always be a part of me! |
