Saint Mary’s soccer team … what have you done with me? Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. From Day 1 of college, I have had a family. I would always have someone to do homework with and get a lot of studying done. Well, maybe not always that, but there is always a teammate there for me to be a great friend, kick the ball around, get some food together, and to be in general a “rowdy kid” again.
Some of my most memorable experiences where made my freshman year. I would personally like to give a shout out to my fellow crazies that started this college soccer experience with me: Loren Galloway, Phillip Rendell, Brian Janacek, and Brian Thomas. We have had some unforgettable experiences together, even though we all may not have made it through four years of college ball. Also to all my upper-class teammates who taught me the ropes and welcomed me into the SMU soccer family — especially Neu, Bobby Gas, Kameron, Lindsey, Jua, Lusch, Meyer, Bina, and Puffy.
Of course, to all my younger teammates, who now are the bread and butter of the upcoming Saint Mary’s Cardinals powerhouse men’s soccer team, I owe you much thanks for bringing this team to the standard it is at now. Matt Graber and fellow captain, you’re a big baby of an animal and since day one you have been a part of the crew. To the other juniors that have held on still, I am glad to see you have made it this far, lead the team to success! Of course I cannot forget the multitude of sophomores we have. To Rhino and Cody, you guys stay classy, you will be the heart of the team. To “los Mexicanos” (Nando, Brito, Los, and Herrera), represent and don’t let them get too clean. To Tabar, you keep this team energized and motivated. And to the rest of the boys; Trot, Bosco, Jaws, Balda, Claffy, DWash, Calderon, Bluhm, Kareem, and Paulson play your hearts out and love every second of it. To the new freshies this year, I expect to be able to go to a playoffs game soon, so make it happen. You guys got talent, just try not to get into too much trouble. Of course I can’t forget about Mido the transfer, one heck of a player, I hope to see you at your wedding.
Of course soccer and teammates are great and all, but I wouldn’t do justice without naming some of the most important people of all who have encouraged me and lead me on my journey of one of the most amazing sports in the world. First off my parents, Pat and Beth Palma, initially I bet you didn’t know anything about soccer at all. Over the years though you helped and pushed me to become a better player, always supporting me. I mean my mom even drove some of our away bus trips … pretty horrifying bus rides now that I think about it. My dad, well you always would be ready to go kick the ball around or play some pick up soccer, you kind of fell in love with the sport as I did. You coached a few of my summer leagues and put up with the full force rowdiness of some very special middle-schoolers. Another huge factor that I am ever so thankful for is that you pushed me to be who I am and to be as successful as I can while being myself. I am here in this position, loving life because of you Mom and Dad. I love you for that.
Of course growing with this sport was not just by myself and my parents, I had a lot of support and fun along the way. I would like to mention several people that have enhanced my soccer experience in many different ways. First of all the biggest influencer, Rachel Gates-Vickery, you have taught me so much more than possibly can be described. As far as soccer goes, you taught me how to be one tough stud (like you). You never doubted for a second my potential or what I could do. You were always there to support (yell A LOT) and watch my games (so many away ones, too). As for other very influential people in my soccer career and life, I would like to say thank you so very much: Nicholas Geisen, Will Tillmans, Alex Cook, Alex Wolfram, Alex Palma, Nina Palma, Olaf Kirsten, Teri Valenzuela, Katie Holmes, Kate Rivers, Harrison Nelson, Riley Shields, Scott Johanik, Tommy Cogger, Drew Taylor, Nick Rizzo, and so many more.
Finally, I must say thank you so very much to my coach, Pete Watkins. I have had the pleasure of playing for you for three years and this program is so much better than it was my first year. I have never learned so much from a coach before. You know just what to do to make this a fearsome program. I wish I had more years to play on the greatness to come for the Saint Mary’s men’s soccer team.
With that I say my final goodbye to the team and the sport for this part of my life, don’t miss me too much.
