Tara Bids Farewell

Wowie Batman, that went fast! I can’t believe it’s already my turn to write a senior salute. It’s weird to think that a year from now I’ll be in the “real world.” Volleyball has been a large part of my life, about 12 years. I have met a lot of wonderful people and made so many life-long friends because of this sport.

I want to give a HUGE thank you to my parents! You have been the most dedicated parents I know. Not many people drive to St. Louis to watch one volleyball game and then drive to Northern Minnesota for hockey in the same day. Thank you for the pep talks and for always pushing me to do my best. You have taught me how to work hard and how to be a good person. Thank you for providing me with so many opportunities to become a better athlete. I wouldn’t be here playing volleyball at SMU without you! THANK YOU so much and I love you with all of my heart.

Thank you to the rest of my family, especially: Grandpa Lyle, Grandma Colleen, Dana, Kirsten, Uncle Brett, and LaVonne. You are all tremendously supportive and really know how to put a smile on my face after a match. It really means a lot to me to know that I have a loving family who is always there for me. I love you all!

My roommates are the greatest people ever. They are: Jacinta, Abby, Sabrina, and can’t forget Erika (pretty much a roommate, DOH!!!!). You girls are basically my sisters. We have created our own little family at the Pig Pen (old/new village home). I love that you support me as much as my family does. I am so blessed to have you all in my life because you’re always there for me, no matter what! Seeing you at my games makes my day.

Sabrina and Erika-we have a unique friendship and it all started because of volleyball here at St. Mary’s. You have been there with me from the start and are always helping me to better my volleyball skills. I like to think our becoming friends story is precious. Together we spell S.E.T, which as most people know is a volleyball term. We’re S.E.T for life….ya diggg???? Lubeh yehr long time!

Rach-I also met you through volleyball. I’m glad we have become great friends and got to share this great experience together. I love you.

Linds-I look up to you in so many ways. You were always there to give me advice on what I was doing wrong and you were always there to cheer me up. You have been a great role model for me and probably tons of other people. Thank you so much.

Mariah Jo Knutson-you are my best friend. I played volleyball with you for a few years back in the day and never knew that one day we would be best friends. You are a wonderful person and I couldn’t ask for a better friend. Lub ya!

Shane-thank you for being at almost every home game we’ve had. I really appreciate that you care so much about me and my volleyball career. You’re a great boyfriend!!!! Thank you for everything. I love you.

To former volleyball teammates and coaches-thank you for getting me where I am today. Thank you for caring about me and for pushing me to become a better player.

To my current teammates-you guys are great. I wish I had more time with you all but it’s my time to move forward. I wish you all the best of luck in the rest of your volleyball careers and in your futures. I love you all so much.

Tessa, Rohde, Ashley (Dingles), and Coach Jenna-Thank you for all of the time you have put in to make us all great volleyball players. It’s been great getting to know you all. THANKS!!!!!!!

Coach-Thank you for everything you’ve done to get me here today. I really appreciate how important this team is to you and how dedicated you are to making every individual not only a good volleyball player but also a good person. Thank you!

One final thank you goes out to everyone else that has been in my life through this great experience.

It’s been real. HOLLLLLLER!!!!