Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

“TEAM”

Our five seniors have been fantastic leaders for our program not just on the court but off as well.  They are the foundation of what our volleyball program is:  hard work, dedication, effort, and sacrifice.  Each of them provides a fantastic example for our team when it comes to challenging ones self and working to be the best player and person possible.  I am so proud of them all…

They each have been instrumental leaders in their own way and have made sure that those remaining in the program understand their responsibilities, and the importance of carrying on the success of the volleyball program after they graduate.  They live the idea on which our team is founded:  “Team before self.”

Megan, So…where should I play you tonight?  MH?  Libero? I think those are the only things you haven’t done for us, though I am sure you could do both if asked!  I hope that you have enjoyed your career here at SMU.  You are an integral part of everything that we do.  Your work ethic, self-sacrifice, and willingness to do anything that we as a staff ask are a tribute to you as an individual.  I truly believe that we would not have been as successful as we have been without you as a part of our program.  I am so proud of you Megan you have played your heart out for four years, and have worked tirelessly to earn the opportunity to play.  Who would have guessed it would have been as an outside hitter your senior year.

Cathy, What a four years it has been.  You have been one of our most consistent and steady players your entire career.  You have embraced your role as a right-side defensive player and really made a positive impact for us.  Your work ethic is unreal, your desire to improve through work in the weight room and on the court is something that other players look up to.   You are an inspirational leader, who really understands that the success of the team is most important.  Thank you for your dedication and leadership!!

Carissa, It seems hard to believe that it has been four years since you were a serving and defensive specialist at the NCAA tournament.  You have done a fantastic job over the last three years as an outside for us.  You understanding of the game and constant questions to help understand it a little bit better are something that I will never forget…You have a true passion for this sport and that definitely rubs off on your teammates.  Your constant support of your teammates whether you are on the court or not epitomizes what athletics is all about.  Thank you so much for your selflessness and attitude.  You are a positive role model for everyone in our program.

Tara, It seems like not very long ago when the NCAA announcer welcomed Tara “Pebbles” Rasmussen to the NCAA Tournament.  I can’t believe that it has been four years.  I am so glad that you chose Saint Mary’s (even though we couldn’t get you to say a word on your visit!).  You have come so far, from “Undecided with a math minor” to a degree in biology.  You have been the anchor of our defense and serve receive for your entire career and we will miss you on the court in the fall.  I am extremely proud of the person you have become.  You will, no doubt be successful in whatever the future holds for you.

Sabrina, Gosh we miss you!  I know that the team thinks about you every day.  We wish you could be in the gym with us, on campus with us, on the bus on a roadtrip with us, at dinner with us ?.  But then again, you have been.  You have been at every practice with us, in every class with us, on every roadtrip, and at every meal.  You are with us every day, and soon you will re-join us on campus!  I am so looking forward to that!  You are a true inspiration, and your strength and determination is something that I envy, something that reminds me of why I love to coach.  Thank you for everything you have done for our team this year, believe me you have done more for us than you can imagine!!!  You are beautiful…
Thank you Bree …

Carissa, Tara, Cathy, Megan and Sabrina,  It all started with a trip to NCAA’s in St. Louis as freshmen and look where you are today.  I would like to thank you so much for the hard work, dedication, and leadership you have provided to our program through your career here at Saint Mary’s. You are all wonderful individuals who will be extremely successful in everything you strive to achieve.  I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors! When your career ends on the SMU Volleyball court please remember the experiences, the friendships, the challenges, and the successes! 
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!