Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

To sum up my experiences here at Saint Mary’s in a few paragraphs would be nearly impossible.  The people I have met, friends I have made and memories are irreplaceable.

To my current teammates:
With this whirlwind season we have been a part of, I want to thank all of you for making it a memorable last.  At least this one will bring back laughs and chaotic memories as we tried to juggle a “weather dependent” season.  This season has sure taught us how to be flexible, hasn’t it?  I wish you girls nothing but the best in the future, and thank you for filling my senior year season with laughs, fun, and most importantly memories. 

To past SMU fastpitch players:
To those of you who I have had the privilege to play with and to those I have not, I want to thank you for transforming SMU softball into what it is today.  Without you, our program would be lost.  Thank you for those who have taught me so much and who have had the patience and dedication to do so.  Thank you also to those who were such great leaders and who paved the path and helped me become the one I am today.

My fellow seniors:
WE DID IT! YAHOO!
Jules - We have been together for all four years and filled them with priceless memories. You, my dear, are the most hardworking person I have ever met.  I have never met someone with so many majors, minors, clubs, internships, jobs, etc. in my entire life.  You are going somewhere in this world…but I hope this world knows not to bombard you in the morning.  We all know you love your beauty sleep?.  I love you Jules, and thank you for being a part of my life for these past four years. 
Anna- Who would have thought that we were going to be such great friends??   Transferring in our junior year season I’m sure was not easy.  Our ’13 class of athletes are a loud bunch, but believe me…you fit right in!  How exciting it is to be graduating with you and then moving on to Alexandria to continue our passion in law enforcement.  I am so happy for our friendship and to be able to call you not only a teammate but a future roommate and fellow officer (hopefully?).  I wish you nothing but the best and want to thank you for everything. 
Kayla- Wow…am I glad you decided to come back to good ‘ole SMU.  You are the rock to this team not only based on your athletic ability, but also your ability to pick us up when we are down.  You are such a positive role model and show others that true strength is far more than physical.  You are the toughest person I know…you can get drilled with a line drive in the shin, shake your leg a bit, say ow, and then move on.  I will never forget the day we decided to kick a kickball as hard as we could at one another and whoever moved, lost.  Someone kicked the ball at lightning speed toward your head. You stood there.  Like a statue.  And did not move.  I remember staring at you, mouth open and all, thinking ok… that’s one tough lady (yes coaches…sounds like a really safe, injury free game right?).  Thank you for being a great fellow captain and teammate and always staying positive ?
Last but not least…
Paige- We didn’t really have a choice on whether we were to become best friends or not….we were involved in the same activities, clubs, groups, etc. and basically had the same schedule (good or bad…mm you decide).  Besides the fact, I cannot imagine my four years at SMU without you. We are literally what people would describe as two peas in a pod.  Almost every single one of my most fond memories involving Saint Mary’s also involves you.  Living together for the past three years as well as one summer has sure brought its shares of ups and downs, but I can most definitely say that you are my best friend and have always been my guiding light.  Your “matter of fact” personality and straight forward advice has kept me sane these past four years.  If I had a penny for every time you said “well Hailey, that’s just the way it is so get over it”, I would be a rich lady.  To think we have only known each other for four years amazes me since we act as though we have been friends since birth.  You are not only my best friend, but are part of my family as well.  My parents think of you as their own daughter and we would do anything in the world for you.  Thank you for making these past four years an amazing experience for me, Paige, and I know you have so much to give to this world.  I love you sissy!

Coaches:
Coming in as a freshman and not getting much playing time was an eye opener for me.  You guys never gave up hope and gave me the opportunity to play for such an amazing team.  The long practices, form running, Haunted Forests, conditioning stations, infield/outfield crossfire, bunt coverage, pregame, etc. no longer sound like nails on a chalkboard…rather starting to sounds bitter sweet.  Thank you for your patience, understanding, and most of all your humor that made these past four years so enjoyable.  You are so organized, dedicated, and caring people who deserve major credit. Thanks for everything!

Thank you, Donny, for your amazing writing abilities that made it possible for my parents to feel like they were actually at games that they were unable to attend.  Your hard work does not go unnoticed!

To faculty and staff- Thank you for being so flexible and supportive.  Seeing you cheer us on in the stands means more than you think.

Lexi- You are such an amazing, caring, generous, and loving person.  Thank you for your friendship…means so much to me.

Mike- Thank you for being there and just listening…sometimes having that one person there just to talk to means the most.  Thank you for being flexible and dealing with my hectic schedule and keeping my crazy self in check with reality.

Al- You are truly an amazing athlete and have such passion for the game. You are the most competitive person I know, which will help you to become nothing but the best in the future.

Last and most importantly, my family:
Going on thirteen years of playing fastpitch has been filled with weekend tourneys, skills camps, pitching lessons, clinics, etc.  The amount of time and money you guys have put into my success as a softball player is endless, and I thank you for that.  Having the opportunity to play so many years will always be a precious gift, but having your guys’ support means more to me than you will ever know.  Because of you, Dad, I am the softball player I am today.  You have coached me my entire life and have taught me more than I realize or give you credit for.  The amount of time YOU have put into coaching clinics, coaching my teams, and coaching me is immense.  You are my number one fan and support me in whatever I do.  Mom, you are such an incredible woman.  I can see you now posted up under a tree with a bag of seeds and a diet coke at every single one of my summer-ball games.  From making our team books to scorekeeping, you always found a way to get involved.  Thank you for everything and for being such an amazing role model.  Sean, what can I say.  It’s not easy living up to such a hardworking, motivated, smart and athletic brother…but I try my best.  Thank you for always pushing me to be my best and for being those words of wisdom in times of need.  Although you are in Chicago, you still find a way to always stay connected even with your hectic schedule.  I love you, Doc.  Oma, thank you for being such a trooper and coming to watch your FAVORITE granddaughter play even when you’re freezing your toosh off during cold games. You are always so supportive and mean the world to me! I love you.

SMU Fastpitch will always be a huge part of my life and will never be forgotten.  Who knew that a sport could mean so much to someone? All the tears, sweat, blood, and time we put into our sport is immense.   Every year, there is a sign that we hang up in our locker-room written by Sean Sornsin, a fellow D-III athlete, who wrote about what it means to play for a Division III program.  My favorite line in the poem is one that not many people can say and what no athlete should take for granted; “We will forever be what few can claim…college athletes.”