Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Through the years I have played just about every sport that you could imagine, but the one sport that I actually stuck with was hockey. It’s hard to believe that my hockey career is coming to a close. I still remember being a youngster and making the transition from being a figure skater to hockey player because I wanted to do be like my older brothers. Stepping onto campus that first day back in 2010 I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous yet so excited to see what those next four years would hold. I am so thankful for all that the sport has taught me and for all of the great opportunities that it has given me. Growing up and moving on to the next chapter in life is bittersweet, yet I know that I will always stay connected with hockey in one way or another.

I would like to start by thanking my parents. I wouldn't be where I am today without all of your love and support. You guys never pushed me, only encouraged me. You drove me to countless games and practices and put in so much time to help my dreams become reality. Dad, thank you for always managing to make it to my games with your busy work schedule and always getting me the classic McChicken and chocolate shake after summer games. Mom, you have always been my biggest fan. You always knew what to say to pick me up after a loss or bad game. Thanks to both of you for driving to Winona almost every weekend for the past four years. I don’t know where I would be with out you two! I also want to thank my two brothers, Ben and Bryce. You guys used to gang up on me when I was little but I still looked up to both of you. If it weren’t for you guys I would have never started playing hockey!
Next I would like to thank my coaches Coach Mannor and Gmo (sorry coach, he will always be Gmo to us, not Coach Moore). Coach Mannor, thank you for the past four years, even if you did pick on me during practices. I guess you are going to have to find someone else to pick on now! I have learned a lot from you these past four years, so thank you. Gmo, thank you for these past four years as well. I can’t believe you only started out officially as a coach our freshman year. You have definitely grown a lot as a coach in these past four years. Thank you for everything you have taught me.

I also want to thank Austin. You have always been a big supporter of me and never hesitated to come out on the ice and help me work on things. It seems like we have been best friends so much longer than four years and I couldn't have asked for a more loving boyfriend.

Lastly, I want to thank all of the girls I have had the chance to play with over these past years. I have met so many great people with strong personalities. I would love to write to each of you individually in here but there would be far to much to say in a short farewell.

First years: all though our time together was just one short year, I feel as though we have been playing together for much longer. Keep up the hard work; I think your class will go far.

Sophomores: your class never ceases to surprise me. You are such a great group of girls that brings so much to the team. Keep working hard and you I know you will be successful.

Juniors: you are definitely a wild and crazy bunch and I have learned a lot from you - now weather that's a good thing, I'm not sure, Bye Felicia!! Your class is definitely very talented I know next year you guys will be successful.

Haley, Heidi, Sparky, and Sarah: we started out with such a big class but it was the five of us that stuck it out together. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to start out with my freshman year and end my senior year with!

Kelly and Sarah: you girls have been there for me through it all. I couldn't have asked for two better girls to call best friends. I am so thankful that hockey has brought us together and made us life long friends!

Thank you to everyone in the SMU community and good luck to all in the future. I know I will forever be apart of this great community and I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have gotten while being here. Thank you!