Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Another year, another season coming to an end but this year it’s a little bit different.  Coming in freshman year it seems as though senior year and graduation was so far ahead but honestly it’s flown by.  Yes, there are rough patches that I didn’t think I would make it through and life seemed to be coming to an end but in a way, that’s what makes the experience worth it.  Saint Mary’s helped me develop lifelong friendships and provided me with experiences I’ll never forget.  Being a part of the team isn’t something that has been a walk in the park for all of us, through the years this team atmosphere has grown into a family and in the long run we’ll remember the people we played with and the experiences we had.
    
To my parents, I can’t even begin to thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me, and the opportunities you’ve provided me with.  From driving me to dance and bringing me to soccer practice you’ve stuck so much of your time into what I’ve wanted to do.  You guys have encouraged me to do my best in whatever I do, even when I’m not enjoying every second of it.  When I had a bad game or just need someone to talk to you guys are always there to listen to whatever I have to say, even if it’s completely unrealistic.  When choosing schools you guys were completely supportive and encouraged me to go wherever I thought would suit me best and once again, I cannot thank you enough.  Thanks for dealing with my weird yearly injuries since the first week I came onto this campus.  On the flip side, if it weren’t for me you guys wouldn’t have met near as many friends to hang out with so for that…you’re welcome.
    
Rachel, thank you for playing soccer because if it wasn’t for you I would have probably continued with dance or basketball and we all know how much dad liked watching that.  You support me way more than I could ever ask for and when I need some time for soccer talk I know you’re always there for me.  Coming to see you play when you were in high school and college was one my favorite things to do in the fall and I still enjoy the few times we get to play together in summer leagues.  You’ve shown me what hard work in school looks like and I appreciate all the times you’ve helped me with homework that I didn’t understand especially when it came to chemistry.  I can’t thank you enough for all of the support and time you’ve put in to make me the person I am today.
    
To the coaches: Neil, I can’t thank you enough for contacting me and being completely realistic when you were encouraging me to look at Saint Mary’s.  If you wouldn’t have contacted me there’s a good chance I would have been across the river and probably wouldn’t have considered looking at Saint Mary’s.  You’ve put your heart into turning this program around and it’s finally getting there because of the time and effort you’ve invested.  I knew coming in that I was investing myself into something that wasn’t going to be easy, but that’s what makes the small victories so much more rewarding.  I knew what I was getting myself into, but sometimes I wonder if you knew what you were getting yourself into and dealing with my sass everyday.  And by the way, thanks for getting my red card suspension down to one game.  Thank you for the four years of coaching and also being there for us everyday.  Jeff, thank you for all of your positive insight and the encouragement over the years.  We all appreciate how much time you put into the program even when you are busy with tennis during the fall.  Our trip to England and Ireland was everything we could have imagined and I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to organize it.  Thank you being there for us and making us laugh through all the good and bad times.  Frank, even though you’re coaching for the mean guys I’ll forgive you.  Thanks for your insight on being a forward when I played there and for joking around with me at practices and games.  Richard, even though you wanted me to play outside back this year I still think you’re a great coach.  Having you around has brought a different perspective and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you this year.  Thanks for keeping things real and being sarcastic with me.
    
To my roomies, I can’t thank you guys enough for listening to me even when you have no clue what I’m talking about.  We’ve had so many good times together and I know that we have many more ahead of us.  I couldn’t have picked better roommates for the past few years.  Emily, can you believe that we are still alive after these four years?  Coming in freshman year we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, but I couldn’t have done it without you freaking out beside me.  Through the late nights and early mornings, we’ve had the most memorable times together.  Things might not be easy right now but hopefully it will all pay off a few years down the road.  Thanks for making me laugh every day!  Tay Tay, if I’m up for a shopping trip I know you’re the one to call.  Thanks for the advice and support over the years because there have been some moments that made us think, what is life?  Jordo, I love that we can give each other a hard time and just laugh it all off.  I know that if I need someone to watch some One Tree Hill, you’ll be there in heartbeat.  Thanks for your support and I can’t wait to finish out this crazy year together!
    
To my previous teammates at Saint Mary’s, thanks for pushing us to become a better team and making an impact on the team for the time you played.  
    
To the my fellow seniors, I’m so proud of us for making it through these four years considering the large group we came in with.  Caroline, I don’t think I could have made it through without you.  I’ve had so much fun with you and enjoyed being captain with you the past couple of years.  You are so driven in soccer but also in school, which makes so many of us jealous of you.  We all know that you’re going to go so far in life and you’re such a role model for all of us.  Thanks for being so awesome and I can’t wait to spend so much more time together this year!  Katie, Emily, and Bri, it seems like just yesterday that we got onto campus and all felt awkward introducing ourselves.  Now we are on our final countdown of games and I’m so glad we are doing it together!  Good luck to all of you in whatever life leads you to do!
    
Vivian, yes I know you’re leaving with us and I couldn’t be more excited for you.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know over the past couple of years and if everything works out we could extend things a bit longer!  We share many of the same pains in school but I know I can always have a good time with you.  I can’t wait to see where the next year brings us; regardless I’ve loved playing with you and obviously getting stronger with you in the weight room.
    
To all the juniors, enjoy this last year of freedom because when senior year rolls around all you can think about is reality approaching quickly.  You guys are a great group of girls and I know you strive for success on and off the field.  Emma, when I need to talk soccer I know you’re the one to talk to.  You’re such a talented athlete it’s been a pleasure getting to play with you and obviously getting to know you off the field.  I can always share a laugh with you and I’ll definitely miss hearing your stories when I’m procrastinating in the library.  Anna, to say you bring energy to this team is an understatement.  You’re the hardest working person I know and made me look like such a wimp when we lifted together.  Your passion is admirable and I hope to never be pulled over by you in St. Paul.  Ellen, my first buddy and Lakeville friend.  I love conversing with you about south metro players and expressing how much we didn’t like certain people.  I’m still sad that you your collarbone got in the way this season, but you’re going to kill it next year.
    
Sophomores, I think you could all agree that coming in this year was a bit easier because now you’re all more experienced.  You guys all have such a hard work ethic and I know you have high expectations for yourselves.  Keep up your love for the game and continue to push yourselves to get better each and everyday.
    
Freshmen, I can remember the day I walked onto the turf for the first time and was just as nervous as all of you probably were.  There’s so much for you guys to look forward to because your college experience is just beginning.  I will admit that it does go by just as fast as people say it does because it feels like just yesterday I was living in Skemp.  Maddy, continue giving people sass and sarcasm because I’ve appreciated the humor this year.
    
To Matt, our strength and conditioning coach, thank you for getting us into shape during our offseason.  Even though you gave us anxiety, it was worth it and you really pushed us to take it to the next level.  You’re a great addition to the athletic department and you’re going to make a large impact in the sports teams at Saint Mary’s.
    
Eric, thanks for taking care of our team and holding our bodies together with tape everyday.
    
To everyone I’ve ever played with and the coaches that I’ve had, thank you for pushing me to become the best I could be.  Not only did I enjoy getting to know everyone on the field, I gained so many of my closest friends through this game and I couldn’t be anymore thankful.