It feels like it was just yesterday that it was my freshman year getting ready for preseason. Something happened to the time because I’m already a senior and this will be my last year at Saint Mary’s. Time really does fly, but there are many people that I would like to thank for everything that they have done for me to help me become the person I am today.
First of all, I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my college and soccer career. For my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins being able to attend soccer games when I was little and continue to go be a part of what I enjoyed most means so much to me. Then I got injured and that’s when I needed your help the most and I could not have recovered as fast if I didn’t have the love from all of you.
Coach Zimmerman: The first two years playing for you was a positive and eye-opening experience for me. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into our program.
Coach Cassidy: I’m so glad that you came back to Saint Mary’s to coach again. All that you have done for this team has made a big difference and we couldn’t have done that without you. You have been one of the best coaches I have ever had because you have not only taught me more about the game but a lot about myself. I wish I could have played for you for two full years instead of just one, but the time that I haven’t played was just as great as playing. Thank you for always being available to talk whenever I needed it. I have learned many things from you that I can carry on to my future. I will never forget all the creative pre-games, traditions, as well as the April fool’s joke you tried to play on everyone. But just to make it clear, I’m still in the lead for pranks. I know that you will have success with this team in the seasons to come and I will be forever grateful that you will be coaching them.
Coach Halberg: I remember our first conversation at Saint Mary’s was when you were telling me why you wanted me on this team and from that day on, I was so excited to play for you. You have been coaching here for such a long time and your passion and wisdom is apparent and much appreciated. Thank you for coordinating our trip to England. That trip was one of my favorites and I’m so glad that you were able to be our tour guide along the way. Thank you for all the guidance during the season to help me become a better player.
Coach McCaslin: Even though you only stayed with us for one season, you brought the magic.
Coach Jen: Thank you for being with us just for one season! You made a big difference and I always enjoyed seeing you every day.
Coach Drew: You are such a great assistant for us because you have to work so hard for the men’s coach as well as ours. Thank you for all that you have done for us!
Canada, Sanchez, Marnocha, Dana, Zuca + Ralph, Tania, KP, Sibik, Erin, Fridel, Cati, and Francie, thank you all for all that you have done for me. You all challenged me to work my hardest and I looked up to every single one of you. We have had so many great times on and off the field and you made my first couple years so memorable.
Rachel: my twin, we rocked center defense. I knew right away that I could depend on you for anything. You have been more than just a teammate, but a best friend. You inspired me in so many ways. You have so much passion, dedication, and motivation and that’s what made you such a great soccer player and person. I knew that no matter what, you had my back and most of the time you were doing just that. For example, your bicycle kick save against St. Kate’s to win the game. I will cherish each and every game we played with each other. I love you so much. Ashley, or should I just say Kashley? Well anyways, Ash, you are a great person and I miss playing with you. You were an awesome defender and I knew I could count on you to bring it on the field for every game. KB, a true orange, I honestly miss your comebacks and your funny remarks. That made practice so entertaining. You always worked so hard in midfield to get those headers and you somehow evolved into a dinosaur when you played. Portland: meow! My juggle buddy, I’m so glad that you decided to transfer when you did because you were new to the team, just like me. You owned that field every time you played and I never wanted to go against you because you have such sick moves. There will never be another KS on the team because you smoked just about everyone. Thank you for always being there for me and I will never forever ever forget that Thursday, one of the best nights ever! Caitlyn: Jesus foot was your move. Being a leader for the team made me realize what it was like and I miss you very much. Cassie H: you were an awesome goalie. I miss hearing you yell behind me to get out of the box and to pick it up. You kept everyone in check. Kenzie: you were a great addition to the back line. Playing with you for two years was the best. I could count on you to have my back and you worked so hard. Whenever I see you, you are always smiling and that always made my day. Amanda: I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to know you more over the years. Thank you for all that you have done for this team this year as manager. The girls will be missing out on you organizing our meals when we played away. By staying, you have helped me with so much and thank you for always listening to me. You have become such a great friend. When we were able to play together, you worked wonders because you know how to play every position well. Katie: We have had some great times. I love how you can hold your own on the field and you work so hard during practice and games. Keep up the great work and keep making those runs. MoMo: Thank you for all the good food you bring for us. I’m so glad I know another person who loves ice cream just as much as me. You are a life saver goalie. A lot of people look up to you lady including myself. Mandy: you are such a sweet person and you are so kind hearted to everyone. I’m going to miss you a lot. I know you have so much passion for the game and don’t ever lose that. April: I’m so glad you joined the team last year. You have a great attitude all the time and keep up the hard work. Tessa: you are a beast. When you played outside mid I have no idea how you saved the ball from going out so many times. Thank you for all the hard work you put into the team. It has been a good experience to have you as a captain this year, so keep being a leader and having an upbeat, spunky tude. Beth: I love how you bring energy to the team by being goofy. I think your interpretive dance last year was probably the most memorable thing ever. I think you could run the Creighton test for everyone since you blew us all out of the water when you ran in freshman year. Mari: thank you for being a part of our team last year. I wish you the best recovery with your knee. Melissa: you were also a great addition to the back line. You bring calmness on and off the field but yet you are still competitive. Teri: Oh Teri, where do I begin haha. When you first game to school, you missed the Creighton… we all were like, who is this chick.. But it turns out that you could run like the wind and would have passed it anyways. I have had so many wonderful memories with you girl and I hope you know you bring so much to the team with your orange personality. Cassie Kujawa: Remember that one bus ride to Concordia, well I have to thank you for bring my bus buddy for that trip. But anyways, I love that you are so easy going and you get along with everyone on the team. Heidi: I wish I could have played more with you this year but you have done a great job playing midfield. You have brought so much to the team this year and I thank you for all the hard work you have put into it. Adri: I’m glad that you played soccer this year. I know I can count on you to work hard and to never give up. Rachel Tackman: I remember you visiting and I remember you having the biggest smile on your face. You looked so happy to be on our campus and that reminded me of how excited I was when I first visited. You have brought an inspiring attitude to the game, thank you that. Katie D: Lady you are one hard working gal. You give it your all during practices and you will get your chance to shine. Sam: How about that eight hour bus ride? I guess that’s when we first met. Ever since then, I have been lucky to have you by my side. Thank you for being there for me through thick and thin. You are such an amazing person and I appreciate all that you and your family has done for me.
The freshies: Thank you all for joining our family this year and hopefully for the next 3 years to come. You all are very unique and you are going to have success if you all keep working hard and giving it your all. Knee girls: I appreciate every single one of you for being able to be a part of our team even though you couldn’t play. When you all can play next season, it will be one like Saint Mary’s hasn’t ever seen before.
My fellow seniors: Sloane: Transferring from St. Thomas was a great choice. I’m so happy you decided to play for us. I still don’t know how you have so much control with the ball when you have like four girls defending you and you still manage to dangle all of them. You have brought a lot to the team this year and I’m so glad that you were able to be here for another year. Miranda Cole: I wish I could have played with you in the back line this year; we would have been a great duo. But since my injury, I’m glad that you were able to step up as a senior to play that position and play it well. The team was able to count of you and they have throughout the season. I love that you have an orange personality as well to keep the kb spirit present haha. I’m so happy that you both are with me this year because I was expecting to be the only one.
Ladies, you are all very capable and it’s up to you to keep that bar high and to keep moving it up even higher. Stay strong when times are the best but stay even stronger when they aren’t. Make the best of these years because as you all know, time really does fly. |
