Matt Bids Farewell

It is hard to believe that four years of college soccer has already come and gone, it seems like it was only yesterday when we rolled out the balls and I stepped onto Ochrymowycz field for the first time as a freshman. After graduating high school and committing to SMU, I didn’t really know what to expect or what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that although I loved Colorado, I wanted to leave home and try something different while still being able to play the sport I loved. When I first got to Winona, I was a little overwhelmed. Everything was different, it was much smaller than I was used to, I had to make all new friends, and at times I was incredibly homesick. There were many times when I doubted my decision and considered other options. But as time went on, I began meeting and befriending incredible people and having tremendous experiences with the soccer team on and off the field. Before I knew it, I had surprisingly fell in love with this place, the people, and especially this team. As a senior I can comfortably say that I have no regrets, and that my past four years at SMU have been enjoyable and life changing, not only on the pitch but in all areas.

There were several people that in a way, took me under their wing and made my transformation into college much easier and more fun. The older guys on the team, Palma, Loren, Jua, Kam, Gunnar, and Brian Neu especially. I can’t thank you guys enough for your friendship and support, I still look up to you boys even though you have all graduated and moved on. This experience would not have been the same without you guys there to guide me (and sometimes get me in a little bit of trouble). I will never forget the good times we all had together.

After my freshman year, I had gained my bearings and continued to enjoy and live up my years here at SMU. I had the excitement of seeing what kind of characters Pete would bring in year after year, and they never disappointed. Since I came here, this team has become a melting pot of so many unique and special individuals, coming from all over the country. I have enjoyed playing with and getting to know all of these guys. The Juniors; Boss, Kareem, Trevor, Mikey, Brito, Los, Macho, Claffy, Bluhm, Tabar, Jaws. The sophomores; Dinger, Blanker, Dresh, and Vic. And the little freshies, too many of you to name. It has been fun watching you all grow and bond together, you have all had an everlasting influence on my life. Cody and Ryno, my roommates and two of my best friends. I love you both like brothers, I am so thankful that we have been there for eachother through the ups and downs we have all faced.

Aside from the players on the team, there were many other people that have made this journey memorable and enjoyable and there are many people who deserve my thanks. First and foremost, Jill. You are one of the most genuine and caring people I have ever met. I can't thank you enough, on behalf of myself and the team, for putting up with us and always making us feel better physically and mentally. Coach Watkins, Rizzo, and Tadie- it has been an honor not onlyto play for you, but also to get to know you and learn from you over the past years. And to Donny and all the other SMU staff that work hard for the athletics program, we all thank you and appreciate your efforts that have made playing soccer and other sports at Saint Mary’s life changing experiences for all of us athletes.

As cliche as it may sound, I do believe that my experiences at SMU over the past four years have truly shaped me into a better person, one that is more prepared for whatever may come after graduation. Although I am probably done playing competitive soccer, I hope that I can apply and integrate everything I have learned from the beautiful game into other areas of my life moving forward. I have nothing but respect for this University, the athletics department, and the soccer program, and I wish for the best for the future of this institution as I depart and continue on with my life.

   —Matthew Jordan Neufeld Graber #16