I can’t believe the time has come to write my Senior Salute. My time at Saint Mary’s has come with many amazing memories, some completely unexpected. If someone would have told me four years ago that I would be playing soccer starting my junior year of college and that I would be named captain my senior year, I would have laughed. I originally came to Saint Mary’s to play hockey and it wasn’t until my sophomore year during indoor soccer intramurals that being a member of the soccer team even became a thought. I decided to go practice with the soccer team during their spring training sessions and after one practice I was hooked. It felt so good to be playing again and all the girls on the team were very welcoming. Although my time as a member of this team seems way too short, I have made some great memories and have met some amazing girls along the way. There are several people that I would like to thank for making these past two years on the team unforgettable and several people that have always been there for me through everything.
Mom and Dad, words cannot describe how thankful I am for everything you have done for me. You guys have always supported me through everything and have always stood behind my decisions. You have always told me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I am so grateful for all the sacrifices you have made for me to have the opportunity to play soccer at a high level. You never complained about taking me to soccer practice almost everyday and for all the miles that you drove to take me to the tournaments. You never fail to tell me how proud you are of me and I know that no matter what happens you will always love me. I want to thank you for hardly ever missing a game while I was growing up and now because none of this would be worth it if I didn’t have you guys supporting me and cheering me on. You are always there for me win or lose and if it wasn’t for you I would have never played at the level I am at for hockey and soccer. You taught me that if I want something in life I have to work hard for it and I can’t rely on other people to get me to where I want to be. I still remember being outside until after dark just trying to get 6 juggles with the soccer ball. You told me if I kept practicing that I would eventually get it and you were right. Dad, you also never failed to sign me up for absolutely every soccer camp available in the area without telling me about it first, but I know that you just did this because you wanted me to be the best player I could be. You were never too busy to work with me on my hockey shot or drive me from soccer practice to hockey practice. I feel so blessed to have a father like you that just wants me to be happy and I am so thankful that you are supportive of my decisions. Mom, I know I can always count on you for anything and I am so glad that we have become closer these last four years. Thank you so much mom and dad for everything you have given me. I love you both so much!
Bailey, I don’t even know where to begin! Before my freshman year of high school we had a rocky relationship, and I remember it wasn’t until after I left to go to Shattuck that we became so close. I think the time we spent apart made us realize how lucky we are to have each other. You are one of my best friends and I am so lucky to have an older sister like you. I wish I could see you more, but the times we do get to spend together are always a blast. I know you are always there for me and that I can tell you anything. I have always admired and looked up to you. You are such a hard worker and always set high standards for yourself. You have influenced me to be the best possible person I can be and you have pushed me to set high standards. I hope one day I can inherit your study habits although not likely! You have already accomplished so much at such a young age and I know you are not slowing down anytime soon. You are such an amazing, beautiful person and I am happy to call you my sister. I love you more than anything and want to thank you for everything you have done.
Abby, you are the best little sister anyone could ask for! I think you understand me better than anyone else on this planet and I know that I can talk to you about anything. I have always tried to set a good example for you and will always be protective of you. I can’t believe you are a freshman in college, the time has gone so fast! You are probably one of the strongest people I know and I admire you so much. You have faced more struggles in your first 19 years of life than some people face their entire lives and your resilience amazes me every day. You have accomplished so much in the past two years and I could not be more proud. You are so determined and driven to accomplish your goals. Once you set your mind to something there is no changing it. I love how we can not talk for days or not see each other for weeks at a time and the second we are together it’s like we were never apart. I honestly don’t know what I would do without you. I know you are always there for me. You are such a caring and beautiful person and I love you more than anything! You will always be my baby sister no matter how old you get!
Brittany (Sparky), you are truly one of my best friends and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you these last four years. I know I can always trust you and talk to you about anything. You are someone that I can truly be myself around and I know that when we are together we will always have fun no matter what we do. Thank you for hardly ever missing a soccer game these past two years and for supporting my decision to play. It made my decision a lot easier knowing that I had your support. I love seeing you at my games and it reminds me that I not only need to play for myself and my team, but also for my friends and family that have always been there for me. I want to thank you for dealing with my ridiculous sleep schedule and my constant coming and going. We have both been through some pretty hard times these last few years and I just want you to know that I always felt better knowing that I have you as a friend. You are an amazing friend and I know you always have my back. I will never forget all the amazing times we have had together and all the memories we have created. I know we will be lifelong friends and I can’t wait to see what the future brings. I love you Brit!
Teri, you are the reason I joined the team two years ago. If it wasn’t for you I would have never even thought of the idea of playing soccer at Saint Mary’s, so I want to thank you for that. Thank you for giving me the confidence to practice with the team and thank you for talking to Neil for me. I am so glad we got to play one year together and I just want you to know that I have missed you on the team this year! Thank you for everything you have done for me. Love ya!
I would like to thank all the girls on the team; you have made this year so enjoyable!
Freshmen: Coming into this season I knew that we had a lot of freshmen and I did not know what to expect. I was very nervous because I had never met any of you and I was worried about being a new captain. At first I wasn’t quite sure how the new team would get along, but I would soon realize that this class is full of some one of a kind personalities. You all bring something special to the table and I love each and every one of you. Aubrie and Megan, I am so glad we have become so close over these past few months and I wish we had more than one year together. You two are absolutely hilarious and this year would not have been the same without you! Aubrie I am so glad that you are my freshman buddy and I am sorry if you thought I didn’t like you at first! You always put a smile on my face ? Anna, I absolutely love your snapchats they are always making me laugh. You are always putting a smile on everyone’s face and you are always ready to pump the team up before games. Ellen, I have loved playing next to you in the back line. I love when you call me the team mom it makes me feel so loved! Don’t ever stop being a beautiful butterfly! I love all the freshman girls and thank you for making my last year on the team unforgettable!
Sophomores: Although I knew all you girls last year I am glad that I got to know you better this year! Caroline, I am so glad you are one of the other captains with me. You are such a talented soccer player and always give your all on and off the field. You are such a caring and nice person and a great teammate. I am so glad that we have become closer this year! Emily D, you are so funny and I love joking around with you. We have had some pretty fun times this season and I know there are many more to come. I love your aggressiveness on the field although sometimes it gets you into trouble. Keep up the hard work and good things will happen. Kelli, I am so glad that we have become such good friends this year! I am glad that I can have someone to study ochem with even though most of the time it is just us complaining about it. You are a very talented player and I am excited to see what you do in the next two years. I love all you girls and I am glad that we have all become closer this year. You are all amazing people and I will miss you next year!
Momo, since you are the only junior I guess you will have your own section, even though I would have singled you out anyways! I am so glad I met you two years ago because you have become one of my best friends. I know I can always talk to you about anything. We always have a fun time together and I love our spontaneous trips into town. I will never forget our trip to Lacrosse trying to find the CherryBerry! I love coming over to your house for family dinners too! You are such a caring person and I know that you are always there for me. I will definitely miss you next year and will be back to visit. Love ya girl!
Seniors: I just want to thank you girls for being so welcoming when I joined the team two years ago. I know that you have all been on the team for four years, but you never made me feel like the odd person out. I know the last two years haven’t given us the results we hoped for, but I have had some amazing times that I will never forget. Beth and Tessa I am so glad we have gotten to know each other better this year living in the new village. I wish all my fellow seniors good luck in the future and I know we will all do great things! Love you girls!
Neil, I feel like it was just yesterday that I was walking into your office for the first time. I never expected that you would be so welcoming to the idea of me practicing with the team during the spring season. I was so happy when you asked me to join the team! I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity it has truly been an amazing experience. Like I mentioned before, I never thought I would be playing soccer again, especially at this level. I want to thank you for giving me a chance and for believing in me as a player. I also want to thank you for all the hard work that you do for the team, you go above and beyond for us everyday and it is greatly appreciated. Even though the last two seasons have not been what anyone would call an ideal season, I would not change anything because when it is all over I will always have the memories and friendships that I have gained these past two years. If it wasn’t for you, I would have never thought about playing soccer again, and I would have never made some of the friends that I did. I also want to thank you for always pushing me to make me the best player I can be. I know sometimes I get mad at you for yelling at me, but I know you are just doing it because you know I can do better. Thank you for everything you have done for me, this experience has exceeded any of my expectations.
I am so happy I decided to play soccer at Saint Mary’s my last two years here. I have made so many great friends and have had a blast. I want to thank everyone who supported my decision to join the team and everyone who believed in me. I want to thank my team for always being there for me and for making these past two years unforgettable. I love all you girls and will never forget you! |
