It is amazing how lacing up a pair of skates can have a profound impact on one’s life. As much as I hate to admit it, my hockey career started with a pair of figure skates. However, the transition to hockey was inevitable with my Dad’s passion for the game and my brother’s early hockey career. I became a part of an emerging trend in the Chicago-land area when I joined the first all-girl in-house team at my local rink. Since then, hockey has been an incredible part of my life and the foundation for many of my friendships and memories. It is a privilege to have so many caring and supportive people in my life, but it would be impossible to thank everyone who has had a role in my journey.
My parents, Leslie and Jeff – Thank you for having such a strong love for sports and for sharing that with me. There is no possible way to adequately thank you for all that you both have done for me. Your everlasting efforts to make my dreams possible, even the most trivial ones, have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for the many opportunities and for supporting me, especially as we adventured across the country. Your love has shaped me into the young woman I am today; I would be nothing without you. I love you both so much.
Bee – You were always the hockey player that I looked up to, which is evident in my choice in jersey numbers. As many reasons as Mom and I tried to have for number 86, it was ultimately my way of remembering your love of the game as I took strides into a very important part of my career. You have always had my back. I cannot thank you enough for being so supportive, especially considering how many hours you have been trapped in Winona-bound car.
Ellie – Thank you for also making the trips up to Winona as well as the many other places hockey has taken you. You may not have played the game, but I know it has left its mark on you, too. You have always been a good sport and one of my biggest fans. Nothing has ever meant more to me than making my little sister proud.
My extended family – I may have chosen a college too far for you all to visit and see me play. However, your support throughout my childhood has had an important role in toughening me up and strengthening the passion I have for hockey. Thank you for being in my fan club, especially when I was too young to make the game as entertaining as it is now.
Beau – Thank you for being at my games whenever you could. I appreciate all of your support as well as that of your family. Your willingness to listen to all of my crazy ideas and attempt to keep up with my schedule mean the world to me.
My long drive home with fellow Illini was never short of entertainment with the great tunes, Leo’s turn in the driving rotation, an occasional unexpected detour and our melodic rendition of “Travelin’ Soldier.” However, there have been many unforgettable friends who have pulled me back to Winona, including the women’s hockey team. I cannot thank my teammates enough for challenging me when I had an off day as well as supporting me when I refused to admit when I was in over my head. Support, inspiration and friendship from alumni like Alex Braun and Nicole Olson set a solid foundation for me at SMU.
My current teammates – It has been an honor being one of your captains. Thank you for making my last year so memorable. Coming to the rink each day has never been such a relief from my crazy schedule.
Juniors: You are a talented group of women that I have enjoyed watching grow on and off the ice. I look forward to seeing how you all finish your journey as Cardinals. Haley – You have always inspired me to give my all each game. Your “C” adequately represents what a true team player and good sport you are. Sarah – You have never ceased to amaze me during game time. I have enjoyed playing in front of a goalie with such passion and intensity. Brooke – You may not have the most inspiring voice when it comes to cheering, but your dedication and hard work is more than enough to pick the team up. Sparky – Your mischievous smile has always killed me, but not nearly as much as the way you wave to the bench for a line change. Aside from your tough mentality, your most memorable contribution to the team is your poor game style. Riley and Lauren - Despite your recent injuries, I have appreciated playing with your both because of your strength and ability to play through diversity. You are both tough players that will succeed no matter what next season brings.
Sophomores: The moves you all make on the ice are pure entertainment. Kelly – Aside from your quick hands, you have always impressed me with your perseverance. You have not matched my high-pitched “Yeah, SMU” yet, but I know you’ll have it ready for next year. Bre – As if your stretch isn’t enough to impress, your ability to lead the team by example is. I admire how your quiet presence in the locker room transitions to such a powerful presence on the ice. Kenz – I am glad that I was never a girl obsessed with bows, because you would definitely make me look like an amateur. Aside from your bow, I have enjoyed watching you play as a fierce competitor who never gives up. Mary DeBartolo– As if you’re not difficult enough to handle already, you definitely made this farewell a challenge. We came from the same program, but we are such different players. You have been a standout player these past two years. More importantly, you have been an unbelievable friend. I have grown to appreciate your ability to make my troubles and tears into some kind of joke. From Luke to the sailor, we have had some amazing memories. I look forward to seeing you grow and succeed as you remain in this surreal world for two more years.
Freshmen: This freshmen class is a sassy group that has great potential. Your hard work and dedication will help you grow into an amazing group of young women. Rory – You are an alert player who is always trying to improve. I admire how there is no challenge that you won’t face. Sierra - Your work ethic does not go unnoticed during our games. I look forward to seeing my cubby buddy and Nashville pal play continue to improve, especially considering how much you have already stepped up your game at SMU. McKenna – You are an energetic player who always finds a way to make me laugh. Keep working hard and challenging yourself at practice. Tori – There isn’t much to say about you, because I can’t explain how much you have impressed me this year. You have had my back with so many incredible saves. I can’t wait to see you continue to grow as a Cardinal. L.T. – There are two words that adequately describe you: quiet and stealthy. I admire your work ethic and dedication to the team as well as the sport of hockey. Macki Fadness - I have no doubt that you will continue to be an imperative player as a Cardinal. You have impressed me since day one. I know you will hear my voice in your head next season when you inch past the hash mark on a face-off: “Cheaters never win.” Hope – I love your ability to withstand a hit. As a line mate, it is your confidence that inspires me to work harder. Katie E. – My cubby buddy, game day buddy and line mate… I guess I just couldn’t get enough of you. I appreciate how you always challenged me on the ice with your speed and off the ice with your spunkiness.
Taylor and Haley J. – I have not thanked either of you enough for the hard work you have done for this team. You are both as valuable to the team as our green-jacket MVP.
There have been so many coaches who have played an instrumental part in my hockey career, including my Dad, Fred Senne and Greg Tam. I want to thank all of you for your support as well as the people who have worked behind the scenes.
Donny Nadeau – Thank you for all the hard work you do for the Athletic Department. It means a lot knowing that my parents were always up-to-date after games no matter how far they were.
Terry Mannor – I feel like I was very fortunate to be a part of the women’s hockey team my freshman year. I greatly appreciate the confidence you have had in me as well as your patience and honesty. Thank you for continually challenging me to be a better player and a better person.
Greg Moore– Thank you for taking the time to help me improve, especially this final year. You are a great coach whose energy and dedication to the team is greatly appreciated.
Erin Stenseth– There is no one else I would have wanted to spend these four years. You are a tremendous athlete who has inspired me. I am so glad that you are my coach this year. It seems like a very natural step for you. I’m so glad that you’ve been here with me through all the ups and downs. Just remember to never leave anywhere without keys to success, a jacket to keep you warm and friends that have your back.
Throughout my career at Saint Mary’s, my academics have always come first. I would like to thank all of my professors, especially Dean Beckman, Dr. Steve Schild and Dr. John Reed, for challenging me in the classroom and helping prepare me for the next chapter of my life.
Thank you to my personal super fans—the softball team—for spending countless hours cheering for me at games. Meghan, Paige, Hailey, Lexi, Katy and Alex Raske – I could not have imagined coming home to a more supportive group of friends. I have some of the best memories with you and I look forward to making the most of the time we have left here.
I have had an amazing experience at Saint Mary’s, which has shaped me into a well-rounded woman. I will never forget the memories and laughs that have made these past four years more enjoyable than I ever could have imagined.
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