The time has come when I am going to walk away from SMU and think to myself “What have I been doing here? What have I learned? And what will I take from my experience here at SMU?” One of the first things that I will be thinking about is my experience on the SMU Women’s hockey team. From day one on the women’s hockey team I knew that these would be the girls that I would be associating myself with for the rest of my life. Freshman year was difficult for me to adapt to the culture of the team just because I was coming late from the soccer season (the two overlap by a few weeks). But it only took a little while for me to get into the swing of things, of course with the help of my fellow freshmen, and I was loving hockey again. After my playing two years I was unable to play my junior year due to some health issues that had begun during the end of my sophomore year. But come senior year I could just not help but play again. Making the decision of not to play my junior year was honestly one of the hardest decisions that I have ever made and will probably remain one of the hardest in my life. And all I can say is how glad I am that I came back to the game for oh so many reasons, especially because I have made so many more friendships that I know will last a lifetime.
Because I have already written a Senior Salute (for women’s soccer) I will keep my ‘thanks’ a little shorter for my family. I would like to thank my mother and father for supporting me in everything that I do. You two have been the ultimate supporters in my life decisions. Mom, I know that you wish I did not take sports so seriously at times just because I get so intense, or what you may call moody, but I love that you support me! Dad you have been my biggest fan! You have made it to nearly every athletic event that I have participated in. I do not know how to thank you enough for what you do for me, and for what you have taught me. I would also like to thank Bear for teaching me so much about hockey, and introducing me to it in the first place. And of course thank you for introducing me to Bobby Orr – the greatest hockey player of all time. Thank you Carly for teaching the Xena Princess Warrior call…that has stuck with me all through high school and college. You are the one person I truly look up to as a role model. You should know because I have followed your every footstep (dream career of being an archaeologist, history major, history teacher … the list goes on and on). Hockey is probably the only thing that separates you and me Carly; you had to play basketball…haha. Thank you for being my favorite sister and my best friend. Thank you Barrett for being a great little brother (yea yea I know you have at least a good few inches on me), but thank you for fighting with me constantly and still being the best brother anyone could ever ask for! Also thank you to Grandma, Grandpa, Nathan, Brad, Leslie, and Schmutz for supporting me throughout the years. And of course, I cannot forget Zachary, thank you for watching me play hockey even if it is not your favorite sport and you don’t know ANYTHING about it.
To my fellow seniors I would like to just say a few words for each of you:
Alice in Wonderland aka Alex – you are gorgeous, smart, hilarious, and a damn good defensemen. You brought so much laughter and happiness in my life when we first met and I value our friendship for that.
Dana – I don’t know if it was the figure-skating spin move that you pulled this year or the wicked shots you have been taking lately on the ice, but you have just been blowing me away! You have always been a strong defensemen, but wow this year you have been on fire!!
Nickypoo– Do I really have to say anything to you?? Ugh, just kidding. But really Nic, how long have we known each other? For way too long, haha. From the day I met you, you have been a pain in the butt! You had to join our U12 youth girls team (coming from playing with boys), and show off all your sick stick handling skills and crazy moves and make me look so bad at hockey. But you were a great asset to our team then, and to Irondale in high school and you remain a great asset to the team here at SMU. You have a lot of girls looking up to you, so keep it up in softball…you will be glad that you decided to play again, trust me I know.
Madeline – It was great when you could play… you were the best! It was terrible news to our team when you could not play, but I know I can speak for everyone when I say that we are all grateful that you have stuck around to support and be a part of the team.
Last, but not least, the foreigner – Sheree, you are the most optimistic, fun-loving, generous, outgoing person that I know. You are fearless. You have so much going for you and so much to offer the world. Keep up the hard work and keep smiling because you put a smile on everyone else’s face. PS I love being your linemate?
To the rest of the team…thank you!
Erin – you are a hard worker, and never stop working hard! Keep up the good work, the girls look up to you.
Julianne B – is there anything on campus that you are not a part of? I highly doubt it. You are one of the most motivated persons that I have ever been on a sports team with. I have loved being your lifting partner this year; it is so great to have someone that pushes me to the limit.
Lauren – you are crazy!! It could just be the hair, but something tells me that is just part of your crazy personality. I love you girl…you are always having a lot of fun!
Jess – Can I please have some of your gumballs?? I bet you never heard that one before. I’m sorry to tell you this, but there are a couple times when I ate some of the gumballs without asking, sorry.
Brooke – We can all count on you to be able to change the game and skate the puck up the ice. You are too fast though, so we always leave you up there by yourself! Keep up the hard work and please heal up the team needs you.
Haley – I am so glad that I came back to the team because now I know you! You are sick at hockey, I don’t know if I can tell you enough how awesome you are. I am so happy to be sitting between you and your roommate. You school everybody you go against. Oh, and do you have enough jackets??
Riley – I never thought I would meet someone that I have so much in common with! You are like my sister away from home. I know we haven’t had much time to get to know each other, but just this season I feel like I have known you for a good amount of time. You are such a great cubby buddy; there is not a dull moment in the locker room sitting next to you. I cannot wait to stay friends after season and into the future! PS I had too much fun on the ropes course with you!!
Heidi – One of my linemates!! You are so sweet yet sour…with your sarcasm. I love you, you sour patch kid.
Brit – You were one of the first girls to welcome me back on the team and I greatly appreciate that! We still have to make our Where’s Waldo Puck! Love you girl.
Sarah – Where would our team be without you?? I don’t know, but I know that you are sick and we have been blessed to have you and your great goalie skills.
Kelly – I don’t know if it is the jersey that is cursed or if you just love the ice a lot. But you always find your way to the ice…at least you fall with some classiness?
Bre – I am not going to mention the obvious, that I am sure you hear all too often. But I would like to say that you are so sassy and way obsessed with the Detroit Red Wings.
Leah – We did not get a chance to get to know one another that much, but I can always count on a good conversation with you. I’m sorry that the first practice you got back on the ice, I checked you into the boards and you were still injured…
Mary – I am not sure if you are going to be in a good mood or in a crabby mood all the time, but that is probably why you, Nicole, and I get along so great. I do know that we always have fun and make the best of situations together and that is why I value our friendship that we have created.
Kenz – How many times have you told me that you hate me…way too many times. I love hanging out with you because we always have so many great laughs.
Taylor –What can I say; you have shown that if you set your mind to something anything is possible. When we needed you, you stepped up with no hesitation. Remember when I told you about my proposition? Well it is still available…haha
Finally I would like to thank the coaches that have made my hockey career possible. Thank you Bob Reif, Mike Martinjako, George Mohar, Tom Rodefeld, Bill Mauricio, Tennie McCabe, Gregory Moore, and Terry Mannor for all being so good to me and teaching me all that I know about hockey! I would like to give a shout out to Ty for being a great supporter of SMU Women’s Hockey, thank you!
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