Soccer has been one of the most important things in my life for a long time. The amount of time and effort I put into the sport since I fell in love at the age of 5 to now is more than I can even comprehend; and I don’t regret any of it. Yes, there were highs and lows, but the rewards I gained from playing the sport I love easily overshadowed any lows I ever had. I can’t believe the end of the most competitive time I will play soccer is coming to an end. These last four years have blown by, I can still barely believe that I’m sitting here writing this. There are so many people that have been involved in my college soccer career that have made it such a great experience; I would need to write like a 100 page salute to individually thank all of you. Okay, not 100 … but you know what I mean.
First, I’d like to thank my friends; anyone that has come to any of my games to support me, even if it was only one game for five minutes. It meant a lot, and I always appreciated it when I saw you guys out in the stands supporting me, especially since a good number of you don’t really know much about soccer. I want to call out my awesome roommates, Eli and Reba. You two are the best fans, friends, and roommates anyone could ask for. I could always count on you guys coming to a game if you were free. And there was no way I could miss you two if you were there. I could clearly hear both of you from across the field, and when people would giggle at your distinguishable yelling voices, I would proudly claim “those are my roommates”. You guys were so supportive before, during, and after games. I loved getting pumped up by messages or notes, hearing you two cheer, and venting or celebrating after games. Oh, and I loved hearing about one of you almost getting in a fight with an opposing obnoxious parent, which just further proved your amazing support. I love all you guys, thanks for everything!
Next, I’d like to thank my family. Any of you that made the trip to come watch a game, and talk to me about soccer any time we would all get together. Mom and Dad, I already wrote a whole letter to show you my appreciation of your support, but I still can’t say enough how much you two helped me the last four years. You were always there for me physically and emotionally. You drove to a countless number of games. You were also just invested in the game as I was, and would have great talks with me at dinner after games. Thank you so much for everything you have all done. I love and appreciate all of you so much!
I’ve had a good number of coaches over the past four years. Zim, McCaslin, Drew, Jen, Nick, I didn’t get to play with you all that much, but you still all had an impact in my soccer career here at Saint Mary’s. Thank you for the time and effort you put into the team, and making my time here and enjoyable experience. Neil, thank you for the sacrifices you have made to put as much of your time as possible into this team. I loved the emphasis of family you have for our team. Family is such an important thing in my life; because of everything you’ve done, from the huge amount of team bonding activities to the amazing overnights at a lake house or barn house, this team does feel like an extra family. Halberg … Jeff … Sliver Fox … You are the only coach that I’ve had for all four years here. You have seen me grow from my freshman to senior years both as a person and as a soccer player. You always bring a great vibe to practice and to games. I could always count on you for a goofy joke or on your positivity. Thank you for everything you have done for me. You are always so approachable just to talk or to give advice, and I really appreciated it. I will miss both of you, and I can’t wait to see you/play you in the future at alumni games!
To all of my previous teammates who graduated before me, thanks for making my first three years of soccer unforgettable. There are too many silly things, I can’t even begin to list all fo them. You all welcomed me my freshman year and helped me become a part of a group I will never forget. To the freshmen; when I first heard there was essentially a whole team of you coming, I was excited and nervous at the same time. I didn’t know what to expect with such a big group coming in. Luckily you guys are all super awesome, and I love each and every one of you. You all are hard workers and care about the game, but are really funny, and hanging out with you is always a good time. You have three great years ahead of you, and cherish every moment of it, because it goes by fast.
Sophmores, I loved that I got another year to play and get closer to you, espeically those of you that couldn’t play last year because of injuries. You’re all so talented, and I’ve loved playing with all of you. The heart each of you have for the game is inspiring. Mo, the sole junor. We’ve had three years together. It seems like just yesterday it was preseason of your freshman year and Miranda, April, and I were grilling you during hotseat. You’ve improved so much over the last few years, and you have no where to go but up. Keep on keepin’ on.
Katie, we’ve made it four years together. I admire your passion and love you have for the game of soccer. Good luck in your future endeavors, and I hope you have fun in the real world after college.
Heidi, I’m sooooo happy you came out for soccer last year. It’s amazing how close you can get to someone over just two seasons. I’m so excited I found another crazy person to run future marathons and compete in future triathlons (maybe dat Ironman??) with. Good luck doing your psychology things, which I know you’ll be awesome at from our previous conversations and how you can analyze people.
Tessa, we have soccer to thank (while other people may blame it) for bringing us together, whether it’s as Bessa or Teth, haha. We still can’t even figure out how we actually became friends back in freshman year, probably over Big Bang Theory or something, or maaaaaybe cause we both know how to bring the weridness out of each other, I don’t know, but I’m so happy and thankful we did. I can’t even imagine how the last four years would have been like if we didn’t meet. We’ve been through so much together...so much so that we sometimes have the same life....like seriously...how does that happen over and over? Thank you for always being there for me and helping me out whenever I’ve needed it over the last four years. I love you so much, and I can’t wait to see what crazy things you end up doing with your life after we graduate...but I’ll probably have to join you at some point, because I’ll miss you too much and need some extra weirdness in my life.
Thanks again everyone who has supported me and been a part of my soccer life for the last four years! I’ve had a ball, and it’s been kicks and giggles! #soccerpuns #sorryimnotsorry |
