Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

From playing baseball in the backyard with my siblings and cousins to traveling to over 15 states with some of my best friends, softball has been the foundation for so many of my finest memories.  I did not realize how influential a game can have on one’s life.  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to play the game and experience the many glories and struggles that it brings.  Through these ups and downs, I have had so many caring and supportive people in my life.  It has been a privilege to have such a strong fan base, yet it would be impossible to thank everyone who has had a role in my journey.

Most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for their everlasting support.  I greatly appreciate your willingness to travel across the country to watch me play ball or, in many cases, cheer on my teammates.  You have provided your Big Girl with an unforgettable memories and a world full of endless opportunities.  For this and everything else that you have done, I can truly never thank you enough. 

Bee – It may not be obvious, but you are always on my radar.  Just like hockey, you greatly impacted my softball career as my earliest ball memories involve watching you play.  Watching me play softball may not have been your ideal weekend activities, but I am extremely thankful for your support. 

Ellie – Where to start… I may have lead us into our long softball journey, but it was you who kept it alive.  You may not have been built to be a catcher, your energy and dedication showed that you wanted the responsibility.  Your passion and feistiness behind the plate reminded me of why I love to play softball.  I thank you for being my biggest fan even through my slumps and for making sure I keep my head on straight after games.

Jenna – I can’t think of softball without thinking about you.  You’ve left your mark on the plays that run through my head and on the Bartosz family’s summer memories.  There is no way to express how thankful I am to have such a passionate, dedicated softball player as my best friend.  I am owe you for your constant support, which I look forward to returning as your super fan next season.

My extended family – Softball interfered with a lot of family outings and parties, but that never affected how strongly you have all supported me.  Thank you for being in my fan club over all these years.

Beau – Thank you for being at all of my games, rain or shine.  I appreciate all of your support as well as that of your family.  Thank you for trying to understand my crazy ideas and my beyond busy schedule.

The Older Girls – Katy, Kellie, Jo, and Nicole –You made my transition to life at Saint Mary’s easier than I could have imagined.  I am thankful for your support as well as the countless laughs, late nights and long trips that we have shared.  Thank you for being such amazing teammates, friends and role models.

Erin Stenseth – After the countless hours we spent together during hockey season, you made the transition to softball season easier each year.  Your work ethic and dedication keeps me up every time I step on the field.  Thank you for being such an amazing teammate, especially when it game to my dress game.

Seniors: What a journey it has been!  I could not have asked for a better group of teammates and friends to graduate from this program with.  Thank you for being such incredible teammates these past four years.  Paige – So many things I could say, but I don’t know where to start.  You have been an awesome teammate and roommate.  More importantly, you have been an amazing friend these past four years.  Thank you for being so supportive.  I am going to miss having you as a roommate, especially the ability to hide Lexi’s tea thing in your room.  Anna – You always have the ability to put me in the goofiest of moods.  I know we got off to the wrong foot… pun intended… but I will definitely miss you, Bear Claw. Hailey – You are such a determined and dedicated player.  I am so thankful to have you on my team.  Your ability to tell stories, especially without using words, will be missed.  Thank you for being such a great teammate, roommate and friend.  Although you may not believe this, I will miss your unbelievably happy smile in the morning.  Kayla – I’m sure glad you decided to transfer back to SMU.  This senior class wouldn’t be the same without you.  I have enjoyed being surrounded by your positivity at SMU.  Your ability to shrug off the bad stuff and focus on your goals will get you far.

Juniors… or just Kristen… You are a dedicated leader whose work ethic and positive attitude has had a huge role on the team.  I have often looked to you for inspiration on the field these past three years.  I will definitely miss all of your random knowledge and your great personality.

Sophomores: You are such an incredible group of ball players.  I have enjoyed playing with each of you and I have grown close with all of you these past two years.  Nat – You are such a strong player that sure knows how to make a play count.  My fellow Illini – In addition to our memories on the field, I will greatly miss our road trips home.  Each of you have such a distinct personality that I will miss.  I look forward to cheering you on these next two years, with the exception of the alumni game.  #GameOn

Freshmen: It has been a pleasure welcoming you into the Saint Mary’s softball program.  I have enjoyed playing with you all this year.  Keep working hard and it will pay off.  I look forward to watching each of you develop over your remaining time at SMU.

I would also like to thank the many players who have challenged me to become a better player over the years.  More importantly, I also want to thank the many coaches who have had an instrumental role in my softball career.  This specifically includes Jay Biesterfeld, Tommy DiBiase and Joe Tholl.  Thank you for believing in me and for developing the fundamentals that have made me the player I am today.  I also want to thank you all for helping me build character and develop the work ethic that has shaped me into the woman I am today.

A huge thanks is also in order for Allie and Steve Parker.  Thank you for letting me coach with you for a summer.  I did not realize how much more there was to learn about softball.  I greatly appreciate all the knowledge you shared with me in addition to our many entertaining moments.

Coach Miller and CBray – Thank you for being so dedicated to the Saint Mary’s softball program.  Your countless hours of dedication have not gone unnoticed, especially with this year’s field maintenance.  I greatly appreciate the time you have taken to help me improve.

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 – You have been a great source of support over these past four years.  Thank you for being so supportive, for shaping me into a more well rounded student-athlete and for taking the time to watch me play ball.

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 women’s hockey team — for enduring all kinds of weather to cheer me on and show the team support.  Meghan and Lexi – Thank you for being so supportive, listening to my meaningful nonsense and creating such great memories with me.  Mary – Thank you for embracing my goofiness and making every minute of our two years together memorable.

Thank you to my classmates and the many student-athletes who have also spent countless hours soaking up some rays at softball games.  Your presence was greatly appreciated, especially the loud cheers after a close play or a great hit.
Finally, thank you to Ron Weimer for making me realize that Saint Mary’s was the right school for me.  I also appreciate the support from Saint Mary’s staff members like Marc Hartmann, Tony Piscitiello and Meg Richtman, who have gone out of their way to show their support.

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.