Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Time has flown by. I cannot believe I am already a senior writing my salute. The last four years have been amazing, and I would not trade them for anything. Volleyball has been such a huge part of my life thus far, and it is going to be hard to give it up. However, I am thankful for how much joy and fun it has brought to my life.

First, I would like to thank my mom and dad for supporting me throughout my volleyball career. My mom introduced me to volleyball at a young age, and we spent countless hours playing in the backyard. I want to thank both my parents for the countless number of games and tournaments they have attended over the years.  It was always great to have my own personal cheering section at the games and to have support after the games. Mom, thank you for coaching our JO teams growing up. I am sure we often drove you crazy, but those are some of my best memories. Dad, thank you for all your advice you gave before and after the games. I don’t know if was always helpful on the court, but it usually gave me a good laugh. Thank you both for all you have done for me. I love you so much!

Next, I would like to thank my brothers. They attended so many of my volleyball games. I don’t think it always out of free will, but they were there. They made me the tough person that I am today. I would also like to thank them for building me my own sand volleyball court in the backyard.  That was one of the sweetest gifts I have ever gotten. Thanks guys; I love you so much.

To all the fans that have attended our games, thank you so much for your support. It means so much to the team to have an excited crowd cheering us on. Thanks to the other sports team who cheer us on; you guys rock! Thanks especially to Courtney, Corrine, Liz, Cassie and Tyler. Even when you couldn’t make it to my games, you all were still sending me good luck texts or snaps, and it meant so much!

I have also had some amazing coaches at SMU that I would like to thank. Rhode, thank you so much for the individual work you have done with me over the past four years. I have learned so much from you. Your stories and jokes were always appreciated.  Also, you were right about Radiohead; they are pretty good. Jenna Ness, I am glad I got to play for you even if it was only one season. I enjoyed getting to know you as a person and have you push me as a coach.  Tessa, I miss not having you as a coach, but I am so glad that I got to play for you. You truly pushed me to become a better player. Thank you so much for critiquing my serve. It took some time, but it is so much better now! Ashley, thank you so much for all the work you have put into the volleyball program and all the advice you have given me. I greatly appreciate everything you do! Jackie, I have truly enjoyed getting to know you this year. I think you are an amazing person and coach. Thank you for pushing me to work hard and become a better player. Also, please remember me as the best DJ on the team. Coach Lester, thank you so much for your dedication to the team and my individual development as a player. I have had a lot of fun playing Saint Mary’s Volleyball, and you made this experience great! Also, sorry for always being loud and having a smart mouth. You probably did not always appreciate that, but thanks for putting up with me.

I would also like to thank everyone I have played with through my years at Saint Mary’s. I really appreciate and cherish all the friendships I have made. I want to thank everyone for talking to me freshman year, even though I was a bit quiet. Especially Erika Hurley, who knew I would be cool one day. Thank you to all the girls who were juniors and seniors when I came in. You all treated me so well, and made me feel like part of the team. To Carissa, Megan, Cathy, Tara, Sabrina, thank you all for being such good friends to me over our years playing together. I cherished our time together at Saint Mary’s, and I have enjoyed continuing our friendships.

To my currents teammates, I truly care for you all so much. You all bring a special part to our team.  We have been through a lot together, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  I look forward to coming back and watching you guys kick butt!

To the Juniors: Molly Grover, you are an amazing blocker and a good leader on the team. Thank you for laughing at my jokes even though they were usually pretty bad. Enjoy your senior year! Jenna, thank you for all the hard work you have put into this program. I am so glad we got hang out his past summer. It was really great getting to know you better and to spend some time together outside of volleyball. I am up for another canoe trip whenever. Janae, your dedication to volleyball has always astounded me. You are always so supportive, and you are a great teammate. Thank you for always working so hard! Mary, you have developed so much as a player in these last three years. Keep working hard, and you are going to have an amazing senior year!

To the Sophomores: Lex K., you are truly amazing in the back row. I have never met a player that works as hard as you and wants to win as bad as you. . I am so grateful for all memories we have made together. KCCO! Macki, not only are you an amazing volleyball player, but you are one of the most hilarious people I have ever met. I am so glad that you decided to give volleyball a try because you have made it so fun for me! Keep doing what your doing and I can’t wait to come back for Fadness Madness next year. Brooke, you have worked so hard to become the player you are. I am glad that we have become better friends over these past two years. Keep working hard and maybe I’ll buy you Mangoes sometime. Tayler, you have developed into a great setter in the past two years. You can always make me laugh, and I have truly enjoyed getting to know you as a teammate and a friend. You have worked so hard, and you deserve so many pizzas! Kenzie, you are an amazing volleyball player! You always make me feel better with your positivity on the court. Keep working hard! Alex (Petedog), thank you for my nickname. You are a stellar hitter, and I am glad that I am on your team because otherwise I would be scared of you. You are so hilarious, and I have had so much fun with you this year! Emily, it is unreal how much you have improved in the last two years. Also, you are the best storyteller on the team, and you are so funny! Please tell Della hello for me. Jordan, you are amazing in the back row. I have also enjoyed getting to know you outside of volleyball because you are one of the goofiest people I know, which is a good thing. I am up for a round of Heads Up anytime.

To the Freshmen: Maddie, I am so glad I got to play this season with you. You work so hard, and you are such a sweet person. Keep doing what you are doing and enjoy yourself! Morgan, you are so good at passing my serves, which is kind of annoying in practice, but helpful in games. You are a lot of fun, and I have really enjoyed getting to know you this year. Molly Urban, You are a great volleyball player, and it has been great playing with you this year. You are so quirky, and I think you are hilarious. Keep working hard!

To my fellow senior Lexi, you are one of the most talented players I have ever played with, but abilities aside, you are also one of the kindest people I have ever met. Thank you for all the support you have given me over the last four years.  I would not have been able to do it without you, and I could not have chosen a better friend to take this journey with. I thank you for always bringing joy and laughter to my life, whether it be with your cantering or your fake injuries, I appreciate your humor. Also, thank you for being my friend off the court as well. We have made some amazing memories together, and I hope we can continue to build our friendship in the years to come. Thanks for everything my fellow senior and friend.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. I have met some amazing people here at SMU and have made memories that will last a lifetime. I will forever be a Cardinal.