In a few days I will put on my jersey, insert my shin guards, and lace up my cleats just like any other game. Only this game will be the last time I step onto the field as a Cardinal.
I look back on my collegiate career and think of all the different paths I could have taken – and yet somehow I amazingly ended up right here, exactly where I feel I was meant to be. It has been a long road to this final season, but I don’t think I would have changed a single choice, because it all led me here to Saint Mary’s and to all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.
I’d first like to thank my parents. Thank you for driving me to countless practices, games, and team parties. No matter where soccer has taken me – down the street or across the country – you’ve always been willing to drive me there and come to watch me play. I will never be able to fully express how much it means to me that you’ve been there every step of the way.
Sydney and Taylor – thanks for coming to watch me play, I really appreciate all your support - especially when it is cold and raining outside. Then again… you usually end up sitting in the car at that point… But anyway. Thanks for helping me train for preseason (thanks, Taylor, for running the beep test with me), and kicking the ball around with me. (Syd, remember the training session with Chris?). Thanks for being awesome sisters.
I’d like to thank all the professors I’ve had the privilege of learning from, especially the math department here at SMU. I’m sure all my teammates can attest to how much I brag about the math department. I appreciate your understanding and patience you’ve had with me! And thanks for sticking with me an extra semester!
Now for the people who really get me through the season – the Athletic Trainers! Ben, Bill, and Jill – you guys are fantastic. Sorry for all the trouble my old bones have caused this season. Thanks for all the ice cups, ice bags, ankle tapes… etc. It has been great to have an athletic training staff that has the best interest of the athletes in mind – even when we might not want to hear it. Thanks for taking care of me from day one this season (literally!).
Coach Cassidy – now that I’ve made my edits … just kidding. Neil, thank you so much for making my last season a great experience. It has truly been an honor being able to play for this team under your guidance. I admire the passion you have for the game and your composure even in the face of defeat. Unfortunately we did not have the record we hoped for, but in the end I’m still glad I came back for my final season. As such, it has been a rough road this season, but every day I step on the field I always realize why I had to come back – because I simply love playing the game. You made me feel appreciated and trusted as a player, and I can’t say I’ve always felt that way. So thank you, for helping me never lose sight of what really matters – doing what I love, playing beautiful soccer.
Coach Halberg – Silver Fox! I always love having you on the sidelines knowing you are there with encouragement and advice. I appreciate your commitment to our team and your love of the game. I always feel I can come to you with anything, and I appreciate the support and confidence you have in me. Thank you for a great two seasons.
Amanda – oh Amanda. Where would I be without you! I love reminiscing about the “old days” with you, and I wish you could have played this season! I’m bummed we couldn’t play our last season together. You are kind, friendly, generous, and just about every adjective that can describe such an amazing person like you. Thank you for always being so cheerful, for organizing everything this season, and for being an amazing manager, but most of all thank you for being such a great friend.
And finally, thanks to all my amazing teammates.
My dear freshmen… all eleven of you. Katie Slaught (as in CAT) – seriously the only way I can remember how to pronounce your last name. Thanks for being such a trouper this season! I know it must have been hard not to play, but having you on the sidelines was always fun. You are hilarious and I love how honest you are. Lia – thanks for being upbeat at practice and for trying your best. We may have been unlucky in the scoring department this year, but we still had some great moments playing together as forwards. Megan – you are such a sweetheart! It was a bummer that you got injured, but it was awesome that you still showed your support day in and day out. I always appreciated your smiling face and cheerful attitude. Caroline – no one quite shines like you! You have such an amazing attitude and you bring a great quality to the team. You never quit and fight for every ball – it has been fun playing with you and I know you have a great career ahead of you. Keep up the great work! Kaitlin – thanks for helping me make sure I didn’t forget anyone, for always brightening my day when I see you between class, and for always giving your best the whole season. Keep working hard and your time will come! Kelli – I am so impressed with how you’ve handled becoming a center defender! Your hard work and determination are admirable and I’m always impressed with your will to win. Continue to strive for excellence and I know you will do well! Emily Donohoue – team lefty! “It’s totally normal in Colorado”. Thanks for always fighting until the very end, for never giving up, and for always making me laugh. Oh, and thanks for the rice pocket. Emily Blaser – BLAZE. That name is going to stick forever. I admire how you stuck it out this season on the sidelines, it was always nice to have you there cheering us on. And thanks for the chocolates… You’ve been a great buddy! Savannah –Thanks for being such a great supporter this year, you always have nice things to say and are willing to listen to others. I love seeing you on the sidelines, but I can’t wait to see you on the field! Bri – “it’s a love, hate, judge kind of relationship”. You are so awesome – I love hanging out with you and learning things from the middleman. Your spunk and attitude are infectious. Thanks for always being on the sidelines cheering us on – and for helping me during warm ups! Erika – thanks for listening to this grumpy old lady. It was always fun when we got to play together as forwards, I love our talks on the field when we are hanging out on the field. You are a hard worker and a team player – qualities that I know will help you become even more awesome than you already are.
Sophomore ladies!
Mel – thank you for all the effort you consistently put forth, your quiet leadership is something I admire – as well as how you seem to be involved in everything – how do you have time for it all!? Momo – thanks for being such an amazing keeper! You have saved our butts SO OFTEN this season; it is so sick watching you make those crazy saves! You are awesome – never forget that! Mandy – you are just the cutest thing ever! Thanks for being so positive all the time, I have had an amazing time playing with you this season! Adri – thanks for coming out for the team this season – I’m so glad that you did! You are tough on the field and always bring a fun mentality to practice – especially when you make fun of coach! Katie D – you are such a kind-hearted person; it’s always fun to talk together and thank you for always doing your best on the field!
Now for the Juniors – some of whom I was a first-year with!
April – seeing your smiling face brightens up my day! You are SO nice, I love talking to you and playing on the field with you. You are a fighter and you never give up. Thank you for always doing your best and I’m so glad we got to play together for one season! (P.S. Bentley is like the cutest dog ever).
Heidi – you are probably one of the most in-shape people I’ve ever met – it is SO awesome! Thank you for always putting forth everything you have on the field, you have adjusted well playing in the center midfield, and it has been great playing with you. Good luck with everything and have a great time in Italy next semester!
Katie Holmes – the FIRST Katie! I am so proud of you! You have done an amazing job this season, both as a soccer player and an upperclassman. You always impress me with your first touch, foot skills, and crosses! Man you are good at those! But most importantly I am proud of how you have conducted yourself this season. I know things were difficult at times, but at the end of it all I was impressed with your maturity in handling everything. You have grown into such a leader, keep your head up and always remember why you love to play! (Be like Barcelona!)
Cassie – thank you for being such a hard worker on the field! You show up to the field ready to play and I want to thank you for always trying your best. You are such a fun and caring person – I wish we could have played another season together! Good luck next year and I hope I’m invited to team dinner when it’s at your house!
Beth – shall we go to the library and pick up some books? I definitely think we have to do that... Soon. Oh Beth, you are one of the goofiest people I know, I love how you are comfortable with who you are and how freely you express your nerdiness and obviously we all love your amazing dance skills :) gangnam style anyone? Playing forward with you has been awesome! Our ability to work together and cover for each other has been so awesome! We will have to get another "scoring cycle" in with Tessa before the season ends! You truly are legend – wait for it – dary.
Tessa – I don't know if I would have survived this last season and semester without you. Not only do you demolish our opponents and win the ball like all the time, but you are friendly and outgoing. You have done a good job as captain; it’s too bad you weren't able to be healthy this year!! Oh well, we can just study together more... Like a lot more :) I mean, hey. It's casual.
Teri, Teri, Teri – You are crazy – as in crazy awesome (obviously). I remember last year, hanging out in your room with Sophia – it is always a good time with you Teri. You are so passionate about everything; I love how you play your hardest when you are on the field and how you live life to the fullest all the time. Good luck next year, stay healthy for it!
Rachel – I’m taller than you, just saying ;) Oh Rachel, thank you for being so amazing. You are such a hard worker, you never quit, and you always have a positive attitude. I love that you are willing to learn, and always wanting to improve your skills. But most of all, I like that there is someone I can push around – booty bump! You are kind, generous, and I am so proud to be your teammate and to be able to call you my friend.
And then there are my fellow seniors.
Miranda Cole: I remember the first time I met you during spring training... My first thought was "mmhmmm, not so sure about that one"... But after this season I am proud to call you my teammate and friend. I love your leadership, strength, and demand for excellence. You bring an intensity to the team that is unparalleled. You are friendly, hilarious, and I always know I can talk to you about anything. You are amazing and I'm so glad we got to spend our last season together.
Kate: you are possibly the strongest person I know ... physically and mentally. I am inspired by your constant efforts with your rehab, and I was so sad to hear when you tore your ACL because you ARE an amazing soccer player. But you have handled everything with dignity and I admire your perseverance. Things have sure changed a lot since I first got here, but I'm glad you have been there with me along the way as a teammate and friend.
Lastly, thank you to the ladies from my first year at SMU: Rachel, KB, Cassie, Ellie, Kelsey S, Ashley, Tania, KP, Amy, Friedl (and Amanda). You guys gave me one of the best experiences of my life, and thank you for including me into your team. It was one of the best seasons I’ve ever had, and I look back fondly on every moment.
Now that I’ve written a novel – after I promised myself I wouldn’t – I can’t help but smile at all the great times I’ve had over the years. Whether it’s something small and day to day, like teasing coach about his accent, or something more momentous, like scoring a goal and celebrating with my teammates, each experience reminds me that it has been such a privilege being able to play soccer in college. I’m sad to see this chapter of my life come to an end, because it has been such a huge part of my life for so long.
However, in the end I realized there will always be another game, another day to kick around the soccer ball. And each time that I do, I will always have a part of my soul that bleeds Cardinal Pride.
Thanks, everyone, for such an incredible experience.
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