Ok, so writing this Senior Salute is probably the last thing I would ever want to do, not because I’m an artist who prefers not to write papers, but because it puts an end to one of the most important things in my life, basketball. Basketball has had an impact on my life in more than one way, and I have built such a passion for the sport that it’s almost impossible to let go. My entire life I pictured myself going to the college my parents went to, but once I visited Saint Mary’s my decision flipped and I knew this is where I wanted to be. The people I have met and the experiences I have had here will forever be cherished. I would like to thank those who have really influenced me as a player, and most importantly as a person.
First, I would like to thank the people who have taught me most about the game, my coaches.
Sandy and Coach Nelson: thank you for always pushing me past my limit and for giving the confidence to always do my best. You both have taught me the importance of never giving up and many other life lessons that I carry with me today.
Coach Pearson, thank you for allowing and helping me to grow as a basketball player and as a person. You were the one of the people who pushed for me to come to Saint Mary’s and I will forever be grateful.
Coach F, thanks for always being very supportive and encouraging. When our team ever felt down during a game you were always the one to get our energy back up! So thanks for everything you do.
Coach Boese, you are a great post coach and you have helped me reach my potential as a player. Thanks!
Trainers, thank you for making sure our team was well cared for and for putting up with all my injuries.
To our fans thanks for always coming out to games and bringing a ton of energy, we couldn’t have been so successful this season without you. Also to those of you, who supported my teammates and me by sending emails, flowers or just saying good luck in the hallway. Especially, Nikki Fennern, Donny Nadeau, Bob Biebel, Mary Fox, Karen Hemker, Coach Landrum, Ann Merchlewitz, Donny Nelson, and Brother William.
To my family,
Mom and Dad, Your support throughout my many years of basketball was amazing. Thank you for driving me to practices, driving so far to come to my games, giving me advice and pushing me to be the best I can be. I love both of you very much.
Benjamin, Thanks for always making me run and play basketball with you. You pushed me to be the best athlete I could be. You’re the best!
Jessie, I am blessed to have you as my little sister. It was very hard for me to play sports when I knew that you were on the sideline watching and wishing you could be doing the same. You were lucky to find something you are even better at, theatre. I hoping and praying for no more surgeries! Stay strong and keep being the crazy quirky sister I love. Love you and your tiny green car. ?
Aunts and uncles, If you came to one of my games or twenty of them, or if you just watched my team play on the Internet, I really appreciate all your support and love ?
Shout out to my Godson Henry! I cannot wait to watch you dominate on the basketball court some day!!!
Granny and Grandpa S., Thank you so much for your constant support and love. Grandma S., thank you for showing up and supporting me at every single basketball game. I don’t remember a time when you weren’t there supporting me in the stands with your little mini Gatorades. I really appreciate everything both of you do for me. Also thank you for giving me the opportunity to get a great education.
Grandma and Papa B., You are my favorite hose noses! I can just picture you both sitting with popcorn cheering at the computer while watching my games and that makes me laugh. Thanks for all your support and love, I would not be the person I am today if I didn’t have great role models like you two.
To my friends
Abigail, Thanks for being my best buddy here at SMU. You are always there for me when I need you and we definitely have made some great memories, and more to come I’m sure!
Luna and Ari, thank you so much for always making me laugh and for being really great friends. I wish you were still here Loons, I miss your crazy self!
Joseph, I have no idea where I would be without you, you are always there when I need you most. Thanks for coming to watch my games whenever you didn’t have your own game, and thank you for being a constant support in my life. You truly are the best.
To my team. You are my family here at Saint Mary’s and it is hard for me to imagine not seeing you all everyday. You are the greatest group of people I have ever had the privilege of being friends with. Thanks for being awesome. Also thanks for the wonderful nicknames that I just love so much… aka. Janice, janjan and the list goes on… good stuff.
Freshies:
Woah does 4 years go by fast. So work hard and know that your teammates are always there for you. It has been a privilege getting to know each and everyone of you.
Bridget: I still don’t know how you manage to pressure the other teams point guard the entire game and still have enough energy to dominate on the offensive side. You are such a sweet girl and a crazy good basketball player. I’m so happy I got to play with you this year. Go Pack Go.
Carl: Good thing you didn’t go to Carleton because it has been so much fun getting to know you!! You are one hilarious girl.
Natalie: You are always smiling and you work so hard every day. You have so much potential as a post player and I cannot wait to see that all unfold in the next three years. I’m glad I got to have you as a teammate!
Shelb, Kenz & Mikayla: You three musketeers are hilarious and bring so much oomph to this team! Thanks for making my senior season a memorable one.
Katie & Micaela: I feel like you two always seem to catch my random comments, and then give me a look like what?? then you start laughing. Thanks for just rolling with it and not making me feel so weird. Keep dominating on the court!
Sophomores:
Tay: Ohh man Octavia Brown beats Saint Francis two years in a row, you must be so cool. Seriously though it is insane how hard you work at everything you do. You continue to jump higher and run faster every time you get on the court. Keep dominating. I know you will only get better.
Corrine: Is this the Krusty Krab? No this is Patrick. CC you work so hard and you do it all with a smile, which credits exactly who you ar e. You have been a great friend and teammate.
Adri: Dri Dri for 3. You are such a nice person and you are one hilarious girl. Keep working hard and making people laugh!
Sara: Twin! Warm-up buddy! Italy roomies! Umm hi… You are an amazing player and person; I can’t wait for you to shine like crazy on the court next year. Keep working hard!
Nast: you are the BEST MANAGER EVER. Seriously though you do so much for this team and I couldn’t thank you enough for that. Italy roomies for life.
Andrew: Also the BEST MANAGER EVER. You are such a nice guy and your comments behind the bench during games always made me giggle.
Hello Juniors:
To all three of you, your last season goes by so fast, so enjoy every second of it and give it all you’ve got.
Court: He popped out of the snow, LIKE DAISIES! It has been a fun three years with you, that’s for sure. You bring so much to this team, and you keep growing everyday as a player. You always give 100% and I greatly admire that. I look forward to seeing you dominate again next season. I will miss you and your cows. LOVE YAH!
Kait: Whether its school or basketball, you work extremely hard at everything you do. I have enjoyed being your teammate for the last 3 years. I can’t wait to hear about how great of a teacher you are someday!
Darce a Larce: I nominate thee transfer of the year. It has been great getting to know you. You are a wonderful person and one heck of a ball player. Keep doing what you do!
My fellow Seniors:
Schmathnos: Roomie, I had the great privilege of meeting you before any other teammate at Saint Mary’s. You kick my butt, whether you know it or not, but you have no idea how much you have challenged me to be a better player. You are a great friend and your constant liveliness and support towards this team was unbelievable. I am going to miss your crazy energy and joking personality. I love you very much (yep I said it) and if we don’t keep in touch I’m going to send sir officer Brittany Beg to arrest you because that would be a crime.
Officer Begrowicz: First of all, wwwuuuuuaaaahhhhhhhh. Lucky for you, you didn’t just get three years of playing with me. Your super senior self somehow managed to stick out 5 years, and I am so happy that you made that choice. Your presence on this team is tremendous, the extra effort you put in showed on the court. It will be a fantastic day when you pull me over in your cop car!
Jess: Yeehaww to you for dominating all four years! You have been such an amazing teammate and friend to me over the past four years. I will miss your random sarcastic comments and enthusiasm during practice. Good luck beating my doodle jump score! Oh and thanks to your parents for being our #1 fans ?
Thanks again to all my family and friends, teammates and coaches, and fans. I have been fortunate enough to have the family that I have, and then to come to Saint Mary’s and find a second one. I have realized how lucky I am to have so many great people in my life |
