Before I begin my long list of people, places, and things, I’d first like to take the time to truly thank God for affording me this unbelievable opportunity this year! This experience along with many others has enhanced my faith significantly and I am forever grateful.
Now….
This year has been absolutely amazing! In the midst of challenges, the game of basketball has taught me some unique lessons that I’d like to share:
First lesson: If you truly love something, stick with it! Taking a year off from basketball allowed me to realize how much I love and care for the game. The break came at a time of injury but it also gave me a chance to mature and gain perspective on what it takes to be apart of a team. Sacrifice! Everyone has to be on the same page with the same goal and agenda in mind. For Coach Todd and Coach Kevin to allow me to take part in the reaching of that goal has been very redemptive.
Second lesson: No matter what happens, enjoy, take pride, and learn from the experience! There is an age old saying: “Life is what you make it.” We have had a challenging season filled with several unexpected injuries but we stuck together as a team. We played through the rough times and we never gave up. I believe that this year has transformed a group of boys to a group of men because of that. Appreciate the experience!
Third and final lesson: There is no “I” in TEAM! Everyone at some point has heard this because it is absolutely true. Being a part of the team this year meant self-sacrifice, dedication, and hard work. Those three terms are not just words but ideals. Every teammate has to commit to them and this year I think we did.
Now that I’m done handing out life lessons, I’d like to thank all the people that made an impact during my college and basketball career.
Coach Todd Landrum- I do not know if any other coach would have given me the opportunity to prove myself the way you have this year. But you believed and took a chance, and from that I learned another important lesson: never give up on something you love. Ever. In addition to being a great coach, I look up to you as an incredible mentor with plenty of wisdom and experience. I hope that we can stay connected and continue to build a relationship in the future.
Asst. Coach Kevin Landrum- The more I have I gotten to know you as my coach, the more I have realized that the drive you have is very similar to my own: put your team and yourself in the best possible position to succeed. Both you and Coach Todd have molded me into a much more complete player by demanding that I try harder, play harder, and focus harder.
Asst. Coaches Ryan & Adam- I enjoyed coming to practice every single day because I knew you would be there, ready to work hard and get better. Your work ethic inspired my own. Thank you.
Managers Jake and John-Without two of the most humble, hardworking, and dedicated team managers, Jake Colwell and John Kaiser, where would our team be! You made it to nearly every practice and every game with whatever the players and coaching staff needed. Thank you for the hard work and a special thanks to John for just being himself
My TEAMMATES!!!- Evan, Joe, Mike, Tom, Josh, Sean, Trent, Preston, Johnny, Mark, Will, Tyler, Brandon, Ben, and Sam! We made it boys! Its been an amazing ride filled with fun times, hard practices, and tough games, but we made it! I can’t say enough about you guys-the personalities, the shenanigans, the experiences-all memorable moments I’ll save for later. From Evan’s post game performance at Bethany Lutheran to Half court hoops, we will always share this year. More than anything, I’ll miss the day to day routine. Enjoy it while you have it boys! Cherish each and every moment!
My fellow seniors-Tom, Josh, Mike, Joe- Well guys, we finally made it to senior year. Never thought it would pass so quickly but it’s finally here and there’s no turning back. If you guys weren’t here this year, I do not know if I could have made it. We’ve known each other since freshman year and we never lost touch. Each year our bond has grown stronger. You welcomed me back with open arms this year and I could not have asked for anything more. I consider you all my brothers. Thank you.
Where would we be without family! I would like to thank my family-my mother (Sharisse Ann), my father (Brian Sr.), my brother-(Quincy James), and my two sisters-(Amanda and Chelsea). Mom and Dad, you have been there from the very beginning, always insisting that I not settle for less and pushing me to do more. The love you have given me cannot be replaced and the lessons you have taught me will never be erased. Thank you. Quincy, you have always been the very best big brother that I can ask for; you have always encouraged me to play basketball even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thanks bro! Amanda and Chelsea, I love you both.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the entire Saint Mary’s community for your love and support. I finally know what it feels like to be a Cardinal for life! And a very special thanks to each and every person that I did not mention by name but has made an impact on my growth as a person. Please charge it to my head and not my heart.
My fourth and final year as a Cardinal has honestly been one of the best experiences of my life. From the very beginning of preseason in September until today, I have been incredibly humbled and appreciative of the opportunity I have been given by Coach Todd in a sport that I enjoyed to play and have grown to love.
To play the game is great
To coach the game is amazing
But to love the game, that is the greatest of all
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