Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It feels like just yesterday that I was playing on my first hockey team and that I had many years of hockey ahead of me.  My hockey career has been amazing.  I have so many memories, friendships and life lessons that I have acquired over the years.  I will truly treasure every moment forever.

Mom and Dad, I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you both have done for me over the past eighteen years that I have been playing hockey.  Thank you for letting me pick the black skates over the white ones, and for spending hours at the ice rinks.  You both have always been my biggest fans, and you have definitely been the biggest influence on my athletic career.  Thank you for driving me to countless games, practices and tournaments.  You both have supported my dream of playing college hockey. You have given me the opportunity to obtain a great education while playing the sport that I love.   I will never be able to thank you enough.

Spike, you are my awesome big brother.  I look up to you and admire you so much. You have always been there for me and I appreciate all you have done for me.   You have been my rock through my hockey career and in every part of my life.  You have gone out of your way to make it to my games and be in the stands cheering me on.  I’ll never forget you driving up to the State Hockey Tournament from St. Olaf College and standing under the U.S. flag at the Xcel Center so I could see you when I was on the ice.  You have been my mentor, giving me support and help throughout my hockey career.  You are the best brother a sister could ask for; I love you more than words can say. 

Josh and the entire Bennett family, thank you for supporting me and coming to my games. It was always great to see you there.  I also appreciated how you were following me by watching the games on your computer.  You guys are the best.

To the rest of my family; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, thank you all for supporting me throughout the years and for coming to my games.  Without your support over the years I would not have been able to get where I am right now.  It is always a special moment to me when I look up in the stands and see people I love cheering me on.  I know you have had to travel many miles to make it to my games.  I want you all to know how very much I appreciate it and love you.

I have been lucky to have all my past coaches continue to support me over the years.  I have treasured the phone calls, emails and having you come to my games.  I have had incredible coaches throughout all my years in hockey.  You all have taught me a great deal about the game and about myself.

Coach Mannor, thank you for helping me grow into the player I am today.  You have been very supportive in many ways, especially when I broke my arm playing against Bethel College.  You have been a big influence on my life.  I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.  I have sincerely enjoyed playing for you at Saint Mary’s University.

Coach Morre- I want to thank you for supporting me with everything. I appreciate how you’ve made me a better hockey player. 

A big shout out to my fellow teammates, you all bring a great deal of talent and character into the Saint Mary’s hockey program.  I feel honored to be on the hockey team with you.  It has been awesome playing with you all.  Thank you to everyone on the team who has supported me over the years.  I appreciate all the wonderful memories you have given me.  I will never forget all my incredible experiences, the places I have traveled to, the people I met along the way and the life lessons learned.  I know that this hockey experience will have a special place in my heart for the rest of my life.

Alumni - I cannot thank you enough.  As teammates you have been great models and mentors that have made me a better person and hockey player.  I am thrilled I have been able to stay in touch with most of you and I know our friendships will continue.

First years - You are such a talented group of people. It was great getting to know you all on and off the ice.  It has been a fun year playing with you.  Good luck with your next three years.  Make the best of it, it goes by fast.  Be sure to enjoy every moment you step on the ice. 

Sophomores – I have gotten very close to you guys and we’ve become good friends over the past 2 years. I have really enjoyed playing hockey with you.  Keep up the good work and be sure to keep in touch.  
   
Juniors - Before you know it, you will be writing this Senior Salute!  In the meantime, keep up the good work.  It has been a blast playing hockey with you the last three years.  We have built great friendships.  Keep in touch and keep me posted on all the exciting things happening at Saint Mary’s.

To my fellow SENIORS …

Brooke – From day one, when we met in Skemp Hall, we have been good friends. It has been awesome playing hockey with you here at Saint Mary’s and during the summers in the Twin Cities.  I look forward to keeping in touch with you and hopefully playing some woman’s hockey together in the future.

Haley- Hey my friend, we sure have had some fun road trips over the years driving to and from the airport.  I think you have become part of my family!  I am really going to miss you staying over at my family’s home and eating lasagna.  I wish you great success in the future.  Please keep in touch and keep me posted on your life back home in Michigan

Sarah – It has been fun getting to know you over the past years.  You have become a good friend.  I will definitely be giving you a call when I travel north to the Duluth area.  And remember, you can always leave your car in my driveway if you fly out of the twin cities airport.

Heidi- My dear friend and roommate!  We have had tons of fun over the last four years.  I am really glad I got to room with you and play hockey with you too.  You have always been there for me.  I don’t know if I could ever thank you enough for everything.  I treasure your friendship and know we’ll be friends for a lifetime. 

To the training staff, thank you for all the work you do for our entire team.  You are appreciated more than you know.

It’s going to be very hard to say goodbye to the sport I love and a great team!