Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I tried to write a short story, but it turned into a novel. My apologies in advance.

1,275 days. According to Google, that is how many days it has been since I started my college experience. Words cannot do justice to the appreciation and gratitude I have for my family, coaches, teammates, and fans that have been there for me every step of the way. Saying goodbye to this basketball family is harder than any Hefel exam I have taken or any strategies presentation I’ve had to give. I will try my best to express how much you all have meant to me over the years, but know that it is much more than words could ever describe.

I have to start out by first thanking the most important people in my life, my family. Who would have thought God put us six together? He must have wanted a comedy show to watch from above or something. In all seriousness, I would not be the woman I am today if it wasn’t for you, Mom and Dad. You guys are my rocks. You two have been there for me every step of the way, and I cannot begin to explain how much you two mean to me.
Dad: Farmer Greg is in the house! Thank you for taking me everywhere when I was little, starting my car for me when it was cold, and for just listening to me when I needed someone to talk to. The list could go on and on, but I just want you to know that I look up to you and that you mean the world to me Dad. I love you lots! Oh it’s still beyond me why people feel bad for you being stuck in a house with five girls? ;)
Mom: Heller mother! I think I would literally be lost in the world if it wasn’t for you. Thanks for the endless support and pep talks you have given me over the years. You have always been positive and I know I can count on you for anything, even if that was letting me play with my hair down until the 6th grade because I was super fashionable like that. I am proud to call you my mom, and hope to be the mom someday that you have been for me over the last 21 years. I love you very much!

Brittany, Angie, and Hallie: We are the four best friends that anyone could have. You have all been an inspiration to me in life and in my basketball career. The fact that I was able to play high school basketball with both Brit and Ang is something I will cherish forever. You two are the greatest role models a younger sister could ever want, even though you both forgot me at the school twice, and didn’t realize it until you got home. All is forgiven. Anyway, don’t you worry Hallie, I haven’t forgotten about you. I know you have been dragged to my games since you were born, but seeing you in the stands puts a huge smile on my face. Thank you for coming, and not complaining about it one bit. I look forward to being able to attend your games now, and send you the good luck snap chats. ? I love you three to the moon and back. Mwah!

Now there are three people who have dedicated endless hours to this team and never get the praise and credit they deserve: our coaches. The love you guys have for this sport and team is something I will always admire you three for.

Coach Pearson: My senior year of high school I didn’t even know if I wanted to play college basketball, but all of that changed when I met you. Thank you for not allowing me to make the biggest mistake of my life. This opportunity you opened for me has allowed me to make friends and memories that will last forever. Thank you for teaching me skills that are necessary in both basketball and in life. I have truly enjoyed playing for you over the past four years.

Coach Freudenberg: What haven’t you done for me over the years? Thank you for everything when it comes to being my basketball coach, my intramural director, or even my internship supervisor. You have helped me to grow as a person on and off the court, and for that I am forever grateful. The energy and enthusiasm you bring to this team is something that is never overlooked and is greatly appreciated. I know you will miss being mistaken for me from time to time next year, but all good things must come to an end. Thank you.

Coach Boese: Well, we made it four years, can you believe it? Thank you for all the help you have given me over the years. How you were able to put up with us post players is still a mystery to me. Most days we are pretty good, but let me tell you, some of the days in post/guard breakdown where we are either laughing or just blankly staring at you, you always held your own and got us back on track. The talks you give this team after games are second to none. I’m afraid you may want to calm that down next year, because your speeches kind of drag on.

Coming into my senior year, I could not have asked for a better group of teammates both present and in the past. The fact that we are all so close, and want nothing but the best for each other sums up why we are able to be where we are today.

Kim, Jess, and Cherie: My freshman year was one of the best here. I couldn’t have asked for better seniors to show me the ropes. I am still looking for the Wisconsin Dells trip we planned three years ago—I have faith someday it will come together.

Emily DeWitt: You made my weirdness look normal. You always made me laugh and I look forward to becoming famous with you one day. I know our YouTube videos will take off, they just haven’t fallen in the right hands yet.

Brit, Court, Janice, and Jessica: The majority of the wonderful memories I have from SMU involve you guys. We have had some great laughs and cries over the years, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you for all you guys have done. Love you all!

Darcey: All I can say is thank goodness you transferred here. You are always confusing me, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. You are the best co-captain ever! You are a great basketball player and your three point shot is something I can only dream of attaining. Remember, these M&Ms are only for graduating seniors.

Sara: Eassssyyy Saarraa! I am so glad that we have become great friends over the past two years. I will definitely miss you and the side comments you make. Even though you don’t believe it sometimes, you are a great basketball player and I cannot wait to see what your senior year has in store for you. I hope the floor treats you well in the hotels next year—remember the comforter is the key to success.

Tay: I woke up like thisssss. I have no idea what I am going to do next year without you. You are always keeping me on my toes. You are one of the hardest workers on this team, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to play with you for three years. I know you will be successful in life, but first make sure to enjoy your senior year because it will fly by. Yaaasssssssssssss.

Nast: I wonder if the Taco John’s workers will still remember my order when I come back and visit next year. I have no doubt that they will still remember yours. You have been one of my best friends here. I can always count on you being there to listen to me and tell me the truth even if it’s not what I want to hear. I am going to miss our late night study sessions and our endless talks about who knows what. If there was an award for best manager in the MIAC you would get it hands down. P.S. only 14 weeks! ?

Andrew: And the divo award on our team goes to Mr. Andrew Lee. You bring so many different aspects to this team that I never thought were possible. You can be the most dramatic, most caring, and most supportive person on this team all at the same time. How you do that I have no idea, but I love it. I will miss you no doubt, and expect you to keep this team focused next year. Close those driving lanes!!!

Haley: I am so glad I have adopted you as my own daughter. Your personality is loved by all on this team, and your smile is contagious. I admire your spirit and how hard you work every day. Thank you for allowing Puppy to become part of my life, and I cannot wait to come back and visit the both of you.

Bridget: You are one heck of a basketball player. The work ethic you brought in as a freshman is admirable. Your flexibility still makes me cringe, and I have no idea how you don’t hurt yourself with some of the stretches you put your body through. Keep working hard and continue to lead this team in the right direction. Whooooo Whoooo Whooooo.

Sheeba: I am so glad someone on this team enjoys food and pop as much as I do. I have loved being your post buddy this year. The improvement you have shown within the course of a year is nothing but amazing. You are a player other teams fear defending, a great challenge for me in practice. You can become unstoppable if you continue to work at it. Lastly, you are the only person I have seen be Kobe, Kevin, and Lebron all in one move. Impressive.

Natalie: You are a special character let me tell you. The potential you have on the basketball court is endless. You have improved a lot since October, and I cannot wait to see how good you are by your senior year. You know I won’t miss your elbows to my sternum, but I will miss playing with you. The love you have for the game is special to see and I hope you never lose it.

Micaela: How you never seem to be tired is beyond me. I will absolutely be sucking air at practice and you’ll be over there smiling ready to do another rep. The fact that you always come to practice wanting to get better and learn is awesome to witness. I wish you the best of the luck the next two years in both basketball and softball. Prison Break all the way.

Last, but certainly not least is my favorite freshmen. You all have succeeded my expectations, and have adapted to this crazy team extremely well.

Emma: I wish I would have more years with you. You better shoot the three with no hesitation next year. Also, I hope your shoes find your locker before the floor. ;) Good luck with soccer and basketball in the future, and I look forward to coming back and watching.

Jessie: Remember when I was your orientation leader? Yeah me too. I am so glad you have decided to stay on this team, even with the injuries you are battling. I know this isn’t what you wanted, but I admire your fight to keep going. I hope you can find a good replacement to always give you an assist during warm-ups! ?

Mariam: You are the first cardinal buddy in the history of my life and I loved every second of it. I think I have learned more from you than you have learned from me. You are going to be a phenomenal basketball player, just keep working at it. Don’t forget to remember your buddy when you become a YouTube sensation. I’ll missssss youuuuu!

Aude: Locker buddy. You are so funny, and I mean funny. I wish I would have found film of our high school game, but unfortunately the archives don’t go that deep. Whenever you shoot the ball, I know it’s going in. Like have you ever missed a shot—I didn’t think so. I hope you never stop smiling because you’re the best at it.

Kayleigh: Other locker buddy. You are the kindest human being I have ever met. Your ability to want to learn more about the game of basketball is special. Your ability to finish around the rim is epic. I wish you the best and know that you will become a great teacher someday.

Sam: Soldier! You are the best soldier a captain could want. I have sincerely enjoyed getting to know you this year. You work so hard in practice every day, and I promise if you continue doing so, it will pay off for you down the road. I hope you stand by someone next year who enjoys warm-ups as much as we did. Don’t forget you can borrow my library card anytime, just let me know. ;)

I would probably be laying somewhere in a million pieces if it wasn’t for our athletic training staff. As head trainer, it is time for me to move on. Since Bill has been here the longest I suppose it’s only fair he gets the promotion. Thank you Bill, Ben, and Jill for everything you guys have done for me. Ben, I hope you can become a professional frisbee golfer someday, and Jill I hope you get a day off someday. You guys are the best! Thank You!!

There are a few people who have made an impact on my life during my time here if they know it or not. I am so glad I met the following people, and they deserve a thank you at the very least.

Kaitlyn: Roommate for life!! You are one of the greatest people in my life and I am so glad that we were paired together as roommates. It’s hard to believe that we are finally graduating. It seems like just yesterday we were in Skemp staying up until 2 am just talking about life. I have missed you tremendously in basketball this year, but know that it was the best decision for you. The support that you still have for me during this season means more to me than you will ever know. Hopefully someday we can sing Super Bass and show the world our rapping and dance skills. ? Thanks for being the best roommate I could ever ask for. Love you!

Coco: “Please tell me you were sleeping somewhere else?” “Nope. I was doing homework this entire time.” Little did I know what I was getting myself into. I am so glad we have become great friends, and continue that friendship today. You have showed me what it’s like to be strong for others and I admire you for that. Even though you loved leaving the windows open when it was  -20 outside I am glad we lived together. Please come visit the cows and Rigsby soon.

Corrine: Living with you this year has been a lot of fun. I can only hope that one day I will eat as healthy as you do. Don’t know how you do it, but it’s pretty remarkable. Your senior year will come and go within in a blink of an eye, so take it in as much as possible. Countdown: 7 weeks.

Rika: You are probably the best fan SMU has in Indiana, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Thank you for the texts and tweets you have thrown my way this year. It always puts a smile on my face. I hope to see you soon.

The Pearson Family: Thank you for all the support you have given this team over the years. It’s always a joy to see you guys cheering for us in the stands. And a special thanks to you Jeanne.  We all know I would not be here if it wasn’t for you; and now that my experience is coming to a close I know I made the right decision. I’m anxious to see who you bring to the program next.   Thank you all.

The Freudenbergs: I probably would have starved these four years if it wasn’t for you two. The amount of deserts and pretzels you have made for our team over the years hasn’t gone unnoticed. Trust me when I say our team loves to eat, and our eyes light up when we see Coach F’s hands full of food. Thank you both for the endless support, and taking the time to talk to me after games. It has meant a lot to me during my time here.

Dr. Fox: I am going to miss getting emails from you next year. The love and enthusiasm you have for this basketball team is nothing short than amazing. You make us proud to be part of this university.  I hope to keep in touch with you over the future, and I am grateful I’ve been able to call you my professor. Thank you very much.

Tommy and Dean: You guys sure are super fans. Thank you for allowing me to become part of your lives and for becoming part of mine. When I come back and visit next year I expect to see you guys in red, not purple. ?

Finally, thank you to the entire SMU community. I am grateful and proud to tell others that I belong to this university. The impact this place, and especially this team, has had on me is something I will cherish forever. Thank you all for coming with me on this ride of a lifetime.