When I was just in third grade I went to my first official volleyball practice. My spandex were too big, and I had to use all of my might to even get an underhand serve over the net. As time went on, I grew a little bit stronger and so did my love for the game of volleyball. My skills improved with each practice, game, tournament and camp I went to. One of the biggest goals I set for myself was to be able to play college volleyball. I wasn’t a standout player who was recruited; I honestly didn’t know how realistic of a dream it was. But after visiting Saint Mary’s University and meeting with the coaches, I decided the only thing I could do was try my best. I was a freshman walk-on with a love for volleyball and a lot of nervous feelings towards tryouts. Well, I made it through those tough few days, and was able to fulfill my aspiration. But I wouldn’t have reached my goal without my parents.
There isn’t a big enough thank you that I can express to my parents, Paul and Bonnie, for everything they have done for me. I was lucky enough to have them as coaches when I was younger. They are, hands down, the best coaches I’ve ever had (sorry Coach Lester!). It’s my parents who taught me how to play and gave me the fundamental skills I would need throughout my career. My parents have given me constant support all through my life, including the criticism I sometimes needed in order to get better. I can always count on them to help me with anything, and they are the best listeners and give great advice. I am in awe of their great knowledge of the game of volleyball and hope that I can someday pass that on to my kids, as they have to me. Mom, you are the person I most like to talk about volleyball with. I greatly admire your character and personality. You have always been there for me and I know I can come to you with anything. Dad, you are the person who gives the best hugs. You have always seen me as your little girl and have made me feel special. I know you’ll always be there to protect me.
Mom and Dad: thank you for being the best parents I could have ever asked for. I love you both very much and always will.
Two very important people who have been dragged to more volleyball games and tournaments than they probably would have liked are my brother and sister, Marcus and Gabby. Being the oldest sibling is fun because I get to watch my younger siblings grow up. Even though they were cuter when they were younger, I still love them! Marcus, I am so impressed by everything you do. You are the biggest stud I know, and I am so excited to see the things you will do. One thing I admire about you is your ability to calmly react to everything; your laid back personality makes you fun to be around. Gabby, just thinking about you makes me smile. You are so energetic and always bring life to any situation. I love watching you play sports because you never fail to amuse your fans. I can’t wait to watch you play volleyball more and see how good you will become.
I’ve had many coaches during my lifetime, and I’ve learned something from each of them. All have played a part in my development and have helped me get to where I am today. The one coach I need to thank for giving me the opportunity to take my game to the collegiate level is Coach Mike Lester. Coach, I have liked getting to know you and your family over the course of the past few years. You made me so happy when I stepped into your office and you told me that I made the team. I am so grateful for the chance you gave me to be a member of your team, and for all that you have taught me while I have been at SMU. Of course you weren’t the only mastermind behind the operation; I also have former Assistant Coach Tessa Wagnild to thank for always giving the best pep talks and lighting a fire under me. Tessa, I am so happy for you and your new family, and I hope to keep in touch with you in the future. Thank you to Chris Rohde, a.k.a. Marshmallow Head, for helping out at practices and games. You are great at putting things into perspective and also have the greatest stories. Ashley Dingles, your consistent support of the team and of me has been remarkable. I cannot remember a single practice you have missed during my 4 years, and that loyalty is inspiring. Jenna Ness, I will admit I was nervous about having a new assistant coach this year, but you have done a fantastic job. Your personality shines every day and you are so good to us girls. Thank you for all your support and for always making sure we’re well hydrated! Also, thank you to Bill, our athletic trainer. Thank you for making sure everyone was well cared for and healthy. We wouldn’t be able to compete without you.
One of the greatest moments in my entire volleyball career was making it to the NCAA tournament my freshman year. I have never played with a group of girls that were so talented. I will always remember putting those bottles in our hair to make us look like trolls. I had the best times hanging out with you, Courtney and Harstad. Gardner, you had the best arm swing and music. Britt and Lindsey, I looked to you girls as my biggest mentors and I will always look up to you. I will never forget the Welly train, and the fact that you were the best hostess on my overnight visit. “Yeah Michael!” Ku and Erika, you both were great leaders who helped set the standard for years to come.
Although my opinion might be a little biased, I think this year’s seniors are the best group. We have been through so much together, and I can honestly say you guys are some of my best friends. I think it’s really special that we have each other for support and I know that I can always count on each of you. Tara, you are the first friend I ever made on campus. I love thinking about us living in Skemp freshman year and all the fun times we had together. You are so unique, and I know I will never meet anyone else like you. Your dance moves are my favorite, and you have one of the greatest laughs ever. Sabrina, you are always in such a good mood whenever I see you. You always know how to make other people laugh, and you always make any situation ten times more fun. With one of the sweatiest bodies at practice, you were definitely always the hardest worker. Cathy, I am so glad that I met you. You and I are so much alike in many ways. We have so many memories together I can’t even pick one to mention. I am so proud of you for being good at so many things, and I know you will go far in life. You are a Big Shot after all! Megan, I’m really glad that we were able to be roommates for the last 3 years. You have always listened to me whenever I needed to vent about something. On and off the court we have been close since the beginning. We’ve had so much fun together and I can’t wait for the rest of this year. (Also, thanks for always letting me borrow your clothes!)
Lexi Assimos, you work your butt off everyday at practice and in games. It always gets me excited when I see how much energy and personality you bring to this team. Don’t stop being the great leader that you are; I hope you have a great last year #vbgp. Kaylee Bunne, I don’t even know where to start. I’m really glad you came out of your shell and finally showed us the humorous girl that you really are! Seriously, you make me laugh everyday; you are such an entertainer. Thanks for being my pepper partner this year #makingmemories.Janae Fry, I’m so glad you are a part of this team. You are a very smart player who does a consistent job whenever you’re on the court; keep it up. Molly Grover, even though you did block me a few times on the right side, I can’t deny that you have a great arm swing. Kick butt next year! Mary Nordick, you have improved so much this year and I know you will just keep going. Hit hard, and keep doing your best. Jenna Sullivan, I hope your relationship with the net will continue steadily throughout your time at SMU. In all seriousness though, you are a very talented player who sees the court well. I know I can count on you to be a communicator on this team. You do a great job whenever you play and I’m excited to see what you do in these next seasons to come. Megan Schulz, my bebe! Don’t stop playing your heart out. I know you have a love for this game and I am so glad I got to play with you.
To all the freshmen, you guys are so young, and you have so much ahead of you. Don’t take anything for granted and have fun in everything you do. I remember being a freshman and how it felt. It may take some time to find where you fit on the team, but when you do, just take that role and fulfill it the best way you know how. You all have great potential academically and athletically. Your 4 years at SMU will go faster than you expect, cherish every moment! Brooke Schilling, thank you for doing our laundry. That is a more important job than you know! Don’t lose that energy and attitude you have when you play. Tayler MacVey, you are a great setter and I know you will be a leader on this team in the years to come. Colleen Seba, I admire how much power you have in your swing. Keep pushing through; you are a strong lady! Jordan Wolfe, I’m sorry, but I will always remember you as the girl who never liked to tie her shoes. You are an awesome defensive player and I’m glad I got to play with you this year. Emily Diercks, you have improved so much since you started here in the beginning of the year. I’m excited to see how much you will continue to improve throughout your volleyball career. Lex Krogstad, I always feel confident when I’m serve receiving or playing defense next to you. Even though we didn’t always connect with our high fives, we did some work together in the back row this year. Keep working hard and you will do great things for SMU.
Even though my family couldn’t make it to every game, we always had some great fans. Thank you to all of the people who came to our games and cheered us on. Coco, I’m pretty sure you haven’t missed a game since my freshman year. You are always there to wish us a “Happy Game Day!” and to cheer for us. Thank you for being one of the team’s biggest fans. Alexi Lund and Nicole Haley, it was always the best feeling knowing you guys would be there to give me a hug after my games. Even if I didn’t have the best match, you guys always thought I played phenomenally. Thank you for being such big supporters to me, especially when you wore my old jerseys! Sam Puff and Alex Meyer, even though you couldn’t come to many games because you had soccer or other things going on, you are both still some of my best friends. Thank you for being SMU volleyball fan throughout my 4 years. Last but not least, my boyfriend, Eric Lusch. Thank you for always being at my games whenever you could. I loved hearing you and Sam cheer “Comin’ in hot!” or giving the ace symbol. Eric, you are a great listener and I’m really glad I met you. You truly are the best.
Reflecting on my career as a Division III student athlete makes me realize how fast my time here at SMU has gone. I couldn’t have had a better college experience or met greater people. Even though my journey at SMU is coming to an end soon, I know that I will never forget all the memories. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my life and influenced me in some way. I will forever hold Cardinal Pride in my heart. |
