Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I sometimes joke that my relationship with soccer is the longest one I’ve been in—and it’s true. I started playing soccer before I could walk, I think. The beautiful game has been with me for nearly 20 years, through great times and tough times. It has shaped me, defined me, and it has always acted as somewhat of a guide in my life.  The soccer field is where I’ve grown up, where I’ve formed some of my best friendships, and it’s where I’ve called home for so long. Soon I have to close this chapter of my life. Soon I have to say goodbye to a game that has taught me so much about life, friends, family, and myself. I’m emotional to say the least! I am so grateful for the game of soccer and for the people and moments that I have encountered because of it.
    
To my family – There are not enough words to describe my gratitude towards you. Soccer, Saint Mary’s, my semester studying abroad, my friendships, my education…none of it would be possible without your unending love and support.
    
Dad, my number one fan, my chauffeur, my personal trainer – thank you for always driving me to be better, to play harder, and to have more fun. Thank you for supporting my decision to go to college in Minnesota, thank you for timing my fitness tests and for riding your bike alongside me as I ran during my summer workouts. Thank you for a lifetime of support and encouragement. Soccer wouldn’t mean nearly as much to me as it does if I didn’t get to share it with you.
    
Mom – my best friend and inspiration. Thank you for always being a phone call away for encouragement, love and support. Thank you for always knowing exactly what to say, for keeping me levelheaded, for your relentless wisdom, for your godly example, and for constantly reminding me why I play soccer in the first place. Thank you for always challenging me to be better on and off the field. And thank you for helping me see that Saint Mary’s was where I was supposed to be four years ago. I would not be who I am today without you, Mom.
    
To my sisters, Nichole and Catherine – Thank you for your love, support, and understanding. Thank you for streaming my games and for visiting me whenever you had the chance. Your encouragement has kept me going. Catherine, thank you for sharing this beautiful game with me. My favorite soccer memory will always be getting to share the field with you during my senior year of high school.
    
Joe, it’s only right that this beautiful game brought us together. Thank you for being my biggest fan, for helping me become a better player, for talking strategy with me, and for supporting me in every endeavor. You have helped me be the best soccer player and person that I can be and I am forever grateful for you.
    
To my coaches – Neil, thank you for four unforgettable years at Saint Mary’s. I may not always understand you through your accent, but I will always understand the passion you have for the game. I am inspired by the way you have faced difficulty, and by the way you rise up when challenged. Thank you for instilling your confidence and trust in me, and for being there when you’re needed. And thank you for sharing your love of the game with us. It has been an honor playing for you at Saint Mary’s.
    
Jeff, thank you for your wisdom. Not only have I learned how to be a better soccer player from you, but I have also learned invaluable life lessons. Thank you for sharing your experience with us and for dedicating a lifetime to the game of soccer and to this University. We are so lucky to have you!
    
Richard and Frank, you have both been wonderful editions to our team. You are always a source of laughter. I am so thankful to have met you both. Thank you for dedicating so much to our team. It wouldn’t be the same without you.
    
To my professors, thank you for being so supportive and interested in my soccer career. Thank you for coming to games and asking me about the results. Thank you for getting to know me as a player and as a student.
    
To my teammates, both past and present: thank you for continuing my love of the game and making my experience at Saint Mary’s once in a lifetime. Soccer would mean nothing to me if it weren’t for the girls I have gotten to share it with.
    
To the freshmen: You have all been such wonderful editions to our team. Thank you for jumping right in and playing your hearts out. Thank you for making my last season such a memorable one. I’ll miss getting to watch you grow as people and players. Some advice, treasure every moment and don’t complain! It’s too short and goes by too quickly.
    
To the sophomores: I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have you ladies. You came in last season and transformed this team and still continue to do so. Your energy and love for the game is inspiring. I’d like to mention Rina – your dedication to recovering from your injury is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Your will to succeed is inspiring and it speaks volumes of you as a person.
    
To the juniors: I am so grateful for your class. You girls have been through the toughest time with us seniors. Struggling through an entire season with no wins is defeating and disheartening. Yet, somehow we seemed to persevere. I am so grateful to share the field with you. Anna, thank you for loving this game more than any of us. Thank you for your determination and dedication and for our endless coffee dates. I will miss your wild energy and friendship. Emma, thank you for being so composed. Your kindness is even more inspiring than your talent. It has been an honor playing with you. Ellen, thank you for being such a great example of a team player. Your injury was so unfortunate, but it just shows how much this team means to you. Thank you for putting your body on the line for us. Aubrie, Bridgett, and Marissa, thank you for your energy and comedy. There’s never a dull moment with you three around. Aubrie, thank you for working so hard to be your best. I am proud of you!
    
To my seniors – We started as 12 and now we’re only 6. Thank you for sharing this crazy journey with me. Thank you for dedicating so much time, energy, and sweat into building this program. If we leave behind anything, it’s our heart and souls that we left in this team. Kelli, thank you for being my best friend on and off the field, thank you for laughing with me and at me, and thank you for sharing this game with me. Katie and Emily, thank you for making these four years so much fun. From day one you two made my experience at Saint Mary’s one to remember. Bri, thank you for working so hard for this team, and always giving every drill, practice, and game 100%. And Vivian, our senior in disguise. I am so honored to have met you. It has been a privilege playing with you and being your friend. The team is definitely going to miss you next year!
    
I feel so honored to have had the privilege of playing on this team and at this University. It really has been a dream come true. I don’t know what’s in store for me come graduation, but I do know that soccer will always hold a place in my heart and in some shape or form; soccer will always be present in my life. I’m excited to see what lies ahead, for me, and for this amazing soccer program.