Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Basketball has been a huge part of my life as far back as I can remember. It has brought me so much joy and introduced me to my best friends and role models throughout the years. It is hard to believe my days of playing basketball are coming to an end. Throughout high school, my first two years at Winona State, and my last two years here at Saint Mary’s I have had an unbelievable support system. First and foremost, I am thankful for my parents and brother who have been through it all with me.

Mom and Dad – The support you guys have had for me my whole life has been incredible, especially throughout the last four years. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without your love, advice, and criticism at times. Dad, your knowledge and the work ethic you’ve taught me about sports are unbelievable. Although sometimes I act like I don’t want to listen to you critic my mistakes in games, I do learn from what you tell me. You’ve taught me important life lessons through sports, with the one I’ll never forget: showing up is 90% of being successful. Mom, you are always there for me. You listen to what’s on my mind and guide me in the right direction. I can talk to you about anything and you always seem to know what I’m feeling. You’ve been so supportive of me and I truly cherish our relationship. I can picture you getting so worked up in the stands during nail biting games, which is so cute and makes me laugh. You two are the best parents ever and I love you!

Keith, you are the best big brother I could ask for. I know you have a busy schedule so it means the world to me when you are able to come watch my games. I will never forget the drills Dad had us do when we were younger and how when we played 1 on 1, you were basically playing “let’s see who’s stronger.” Kara, you have grown so close to our whole family and I am so happy you are so supportive of my brother and now me.

To the rest of my family: aunts, uncles, cousins, Grandpa and Grandmas, I couldn’t have a better support system behind me. We have such a strong family bond; it means so much to me that we are all so close even when we don’t see each other for long periods of time. To my friends and high school coaches: you are all so inspiring and encouraging. I’ve been so lucky to have met all of you and had you a part of my life through basketball. Love you all!

Coach Pearson – I am extremely thankful to have you as my head coach the past two years. I am so happy that you still wanted me to come here for my last two years even though I could have been here all along. This season in particular, you have helped me through some tough times with my classes and my grandpa passing away. You are truly appreciated and I am so blessed for having the chance to play for you.

Coach F – You’re awesome. I have enjoyed having you as an assistant coach at SMU. You know so much about basketball and I’ve learned something new from you every day. You are always so motivational and it makes me want to push myself harder on the court. Also, your jokes and funny comments are the best.

Coach Boese – I’m glad I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know you. Thank you for everything you do for this team. I especially want to thank you for the delicious treats you bake us! 

Ben – I am so happy we both came to Saint Mary’s the same year; it was nice to have a familiar face at the beginning. I hope you enjoy working with our team as much as we enjoy having you as our trainer!

Court, my fellow senior. I wouldn’t want to go through all the preseason planning, random decision making, and being a leader with anyone else. I can’t believe we have only known each other and played together for two years because it feels like much longer than that. Without you, I probably would be lost 90% of the time here. You’ve always been there for me and I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for successfully getting me hooked on watching HGTV and taking naps in the locker room. It is crazy that we are almost done playing but IT IS TIME! Love you Capt’n.

JUNIORS! You guys are so great. Getting to know both of you throughout the past two years has been awesome. You both bring so much energy and attitude to this team. Thank you guys for everything!
Sara, you are one of the funniest and most sarcastic people I know and I love it. The faces and noises you make on the court while playing crack me up. I sometimes forget you’re not a senior, which makes me excited to be able to watch you play another year!
Tay, hi Tay! Aw my official cardinal buddy, where do I start with you? We have so many stupid little jokes that only you and me would think are funny. I have a strong feeling that you will never be my spotter for pull-ups again. Keep being the fastest player in the league and always remember to think Denzel.

SOPHOMORES! I feel like I belong in your class. We came to SMU the same year and fit together so well. Thanks for being the most caring and by far the goofiest teammates I’ve ever had.
Haley, my first friend at SMU. You have the best attitude, and personality to be around. I am going to miss shooting 3s side by side before each game and doing our favorite stretch during warm-ups that we love so much. I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to watch you next year! Also, your relationship with Puppy is adorable.
Shelby, you crack me up. I can always count on you for having a funny story about your kitty. It has been so fun watching you grow into the player you’ve become. Keep being a boss. Love, Doyle.
Micaela, you’ve been the best locker buddy I’ve ever had these past two years! For some reason I always witness your goofiest moments which is great entertainment for me. I can’t wait to watch you block so many more shots next year!
Bridget, you are an extremely fun teammate to play with. Your heart and competitiveness is so admirable. Thank you for always supplying me with a towel after road games when I forgot mine.
Natalie, I’m so happy we both decided to come to SMU the same year! You are always smiling and finding ways to make people laugh. I will miss playing with you. Also, it’s so cute that our dads are best buds.

FRESHMEN! You all are so cute. I’m so happy you all chose to come to SMU. You guys are so fun to joke and mess around with. Enjoy every second of your next three years because it goes by fast!
Kayleigh, the nicest girl in the world. It is funny how every time my ball gets hit out of the basket, it happens to be your ball that gets in the way, but it always makes for a good laugh. Keep up the hard work on the court; I’m very excited to see you grow each year!
Aude, miss sassy pants. My little apple-loving freshman, I’m glad you can handle my jokes and throw it right back at me. Thanks for being such a great teammate. P.S. you’ll have to learn how to lace up your own shoes next year.
Sam, you are such a hard worker, which makes me so excited for your future. It has been fun having you on the team and it was easy for you to fit in right away with your sarcastic ways. Also, thanks for being Walgreens and letting me use your pre-wrap for every away game.
Miriam, a.k.a. Don’t Marry Em. I am so happy I got to play with you this year! On and off the court, you are an incredibly fun person to be around. I’ll miss watching you braid your hair; you’re such a pro.
Jessie, you have such a strong passion for basketball and it has been so great having you a part of this team. You are also a fantastic locker buddy, especially when I randomly forget my things in your locker throughout the year and you are cool with it.
Emma, it has been so fun getting to know you this year! In every situation you seem to have a little comment that I find hilarious. Your energy on and off the court is contagious and it will be awesome watching you play next year!

Managers - You two are so helpful and such an important part of this team. We couldn’t get through the season as smoothly without you guys being there with us every step of the way, and of course running the clock during practice and being extra passers. I love you both and thank you!

Andrew, you’re one of a kind. You’ve taught me what catching shade means, how to act, and how to say, “what’s your name” in a deep voice. But I will never forget you giving us the best advice of the year: close those driving lanes!

Nasty, also don’t know what I would have done without you these past two years. From having classes together to making up our own workouts/drills in the RAC, we have gotten so close. I love how we have the same humor and can read each other’s minds most of the time. I only can wish one day I will be as popular as you are on campus. You are just such a great manager and friend!

Tessa, Caitie, Abby, Kelsey, Bella, Lo (roommates) – Where do I begin with you all? There are no words that describe how much I appreciate and love you guys. Over the past four years we have made countless memories together, on and off the court. Your support means the world to me and I wouldn’t have been as confident with my decision to transfer if it wasn’t for you guys, thank you so much. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue to live with you all while attending a different school. Being able to come watch your games, on the court and field, has been amazing and makes me so happy. When I see you crazies not only at my games, but dressed in SMU gear as well, it absolutely means the world to me. We’ve all grown so much since freshman year and I can’t wait to see where the rest of our lives take us. LOVE YOU ALL!

Tom and Dean – You guys are such supportive fans; we all greatly appreciate it! It has been fun seeing you guys at all of our home games cheering us on, win or lose. Thank you!

Students, Professors, Nikki our AD, and community fans, thank you for your support and attendance at our games! The atmosphere in our home gym is amazing thanks to all of you.

My experience here at Saint Mary’s was so much fun and I’m so happy there is such a strong fan base for this team and all athletics at this school.