It’s about darn time. Ever since I was a little pain in the butt, back in my prime years of course, I have loved playing sports. Sports have been everything to me. It is hard to believe that hockey, the sport I have fallen in love with the most, is just about over for me. Playing hockey has strengthened so many aspects of my life and I am forever grateful for every opportunity I have gained from it. Over the years, there have been so many people there for me throughout my journey. I’d like to recognize and thank all of those that have made my experience that much better.
Dad- “Move your feet”, “Don’t think so much, just play hockey”, and “Make something happen out there” are the words you would tell me before every hockey game over the years. It is hard to believe I won’t be hearing those things anymore. Now it’s my turn to take all of the other pieces of advice you have given me and carry it into the world outside of sports. I have looked up to you since I was born. Every trait I have is thanks to you, so you can thank yourself for that. You are my role model and I couldn’t have asked for a better Dad. I can probably only count on one hand the games you have missed throughout my hockey career. Thank you for giving up so much for me. I mean after all, you are a “giver” right Dad? I love you Dad.
Mom- I cannot thank you enough for everything you have given and provided me with over the years. I know my athletics have taken up a lot of time, money, and resources so I’m sure in that respect, it will be a nice break for you now that it’s almost over! You have been my biggest support system through everything in my life, not just athletics. Thank you for being the greatest Mom any child could ask for. I love you Mom.
Ash- You never had a problem coming to my games in high school but for whatever reason, you were not a big fan of me in college. Hopefully that’s not because I didn’t make you proud. I am so thankful to have you in my life not just as a sister, but as a friend. Thank you for supporting me over the many years with my athletics. I know you were dragged in a lot of car rides and spent a lot of hours watching me, but I appreciate everything you have done. You have a lot of potential in life and I look forward to being closer to home to watch you excel. I love you Ash.
Extended Family- Thank you all for supporting me over the years. Your time, money, and encouragement are greatly appreciated.
Coach Mannor- Thank you for everything over the past 4 years. You have been there for me not only as a coach, but as a mentor as well. I have always had a tremendous amount of respect for you and could not have been any more pleased to end my career with you as my coach.
Coach Moore- I was glad to have you as a part of the coaching staff this year in my last season. Your knowledge of the game and coaching style is admirable.
Jaci- I cannot be any more thankful for everything you have done for me. You have been there for me through it all. Every day I remind myself of how grateful I am to have you in my life. You are my best friend and I know you always will be. I am so fortunate to have chosen Saint Mary’s and for you transferring twenty times. You put up with me and I put up with you (I know I am a bit harder to deal with) but without you, I would not be where I am today. Thank you for supporting me throughout hockey, softball, and everything in my life. You and Kel have been my super-fans no matter where the game is. I appreciate everything you have done for me and my family. I look forward to all of our future plans and continuing our friendship!
Kellie- From all the names we call each other (both good and bad), I don’t even know if ‘Kellie’ is your name anymore. From all the post-its I get every morning when I wake up on a game day, all the text messages I receive right before I get to the rink (usually right on time), all the game day buddies you make for me because I am not creative enough to do it myself, the numerous amount of road trips made, your kinda-sorta impressive rap skills that coordinate to the team we are playing each weekend, and not to mention all of the hideous displays of super-fanning you have provided for me, I am one lucky person. You have been a great roommate, person, and most importantly, friend, who has always been there for me. You have become a sister to me and I know this is only the beginning of what will be a life-long friendship.
The Team:
Freshmen- You girls brought in a lot of talent and character into the program this year. With hard work, I know you guys will continue to do well in the future.
Mary- Where do I start with you? Until I met you, I didn’t know there was someone as stubborn and difficult to deal with as I am. We have definitely had our fair share of ups and downs, but that’s only because I expect a lot out of you. Maybe I expected too much, since you freshmen like to use the “freshman excuse” every time something goes wrong. But I was only so hard on you because I see a heck of a lot of potential in you Mar. I know you can accomplish anything you want to accomplish. Just keep working hard, stay positive, and never give up. We became very close in a short amount of time and I know that we will always be there for each other. No matter where our lives take us, we will continue to be close friends. I mean after all, someone has to put up with our personalities, might as well be each other right?
Sophomores- It has been a pleasure to play with you all the past 2 years. Continue to work hard, strive to do well, and you will be successful in your upcoming years.
Haley- I have loved being line mates with you the last two years. Even though our break up was a little rough this year, I have always seen you as my line mate. You are such a talented hockey player and I know you have a bright future ahead of you, both on and off the ice.
Juniors-
Erin- My mini-me. I think that’s what you have been referred to as
right? It has been such an awesome experience getting to know you and playing hockey and softball with you. We are so alike in so many aspects and I couldn’t have asked to meet a better athlete and friend. Being able to play on a line with you to end my senior year, and hopefully having the opportunity to play middles with you in ball… wow, what a way to end things huh? Whether it was us being lifting partners, watching film, passing the puck around, shooting, throwing, etc… We have been each other’s side-kicks since you got here. You are such a great competitor and have so much ability in everything you do. Keep up all of your hard work, determination, and drive. You will continue to be a leader and a huge asset not just in sports, but in everything you are a part of. I know we will continue our friendship after college and I look forward to everything ahead of us!
Julie- You are a determined athlete and are always striving to get better at anything and everything. It was a pleasure to play both hockey and softball with you for the last 3 years. Keep up your hard work as you enter your last seasons of both sports.
Seniors- I could not pick a better group of girls to start and end my college career with. We stuck through everything together. Thanks for everything girls.
Al- Since meeting you at the Augsburg game senior year of high school, we have grown to be not just teammates or roommates, but great friends. I think we have learned a lot from each other and have grown to be better people because of it. I know we will continue our friendship outside of Saint Mary’s and I look forward to every moment of it.
Rach- Starting and ending my hockey career with you is something I will always cherish. I couldn’t have asked for any one better to share that with. We have been through a lot together and I know we can face anything. Thank you for everything you have done over the years for me. You have been someone I have always looked up to in so many different areas, especially sports. You’re an incredible athlete and person and you make those around you better because of it.
Sheree- You are one heck of a worker. Freshman year, being line mates, to senior year, being close friends, I am so thankful for every moment we have shared together.
Dana- You have been a critical part to our defense since we started. I could always count on you both on and off the ice.
Lenz- I was glad I got to play with you for the time I did. Thank you for staying dedicated to the team and continuing to be a part of it.
I always give people a hard time for writing so much in these things and look what I just did. Writing this salute has reminded me of how many people I have in my life to be thankful for. I am truly blessed and honored to have everything and everyone I do in my life. Thank you all for making my life what it is today. |
