Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It has been a wonderful four years! It’s a bittersweet felling when I think about graduation. When I was a senior in high school, I pictured how my college years would be but, I never thought that my experience at Saint Mary’s would turn out this great. I got the chance to become a member of the basketball team as a manager then to become a player. My best memories have come from my time with the team. What stands out the most is how the program has progressed over my four years. It’s fun to look back and see the progress made because it shows that the program’s potential is sky high! This also taught me a lesson in life. In order to achieve my goals, I need to start making positive changes. The positive results from the changes I make will give me motivation to keep reaching goals in life. That is how I will continue to grow as a person. A lot of people have contributed to my wonderful experience here and I want to take the time to show my appreciation.
  
Family, you are my rock. Dad, Mom, Grandma, and Chris-you all have been so supportive of my basketball career. I know after high school it probably made you sad that I decided to stop playing but, I hope I made you proud that day you saw I was on the SMU Women’s Basketball roster for my senior year. I love your game-day texts and your inspiring words. It’s actually hard to express my gratitude because you all do so much. I appreciate all that you do for me and I love you all with all my heart.
    
Coach Smitty, you were never my coach but you always showed concern for me through my basketball career. I want to thank you so much for helping me train for the season. You took your free-time to help me get better. You helped me to become mentally and physically strong and. I appreciate you so much.
    
Coach Pearson - I have a lot to thank you for. You took a chance on me to be the team manager and in my opinion I think that decision was a great one! To be honest, I was scared because I didn’t know how the team would react to me but, everyone was so welcoming. Most importantly, thank you for allowing me to be a player on this team. Last spring when I told you I was going to play this year, I bet you were nervous. I was nervous too. I had no idea what could possibly happen over the next six months. I actually remember telling you, “time will tell”. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me and investing your time. You care about us not only as players but as people and that’s all you can ask for from a coach.
    
Coach Freddy - *starts a slow clap* This may sound strange, but in my head, you were always Team Nasty. I felt you were always on my side cheering for me and hoping the best for me.  If I had a problem and I needed an authority figure, my first thought was to come to you. You have been so helpful over the past four years and I appreciate you so much! Anytime you want to play a game of two-on-two, we’ll just call up Coach Pearson and Court Euerle and show them how it’s done again ;)
    
Coach Boese - I’ve had a couple of male coaches in my time as a player, but no one is as cool as you. My favorite memory is hands down the Italy trip. It was a witness to just how laid back and cool you are! You also have really good taste in music and pop culture and it’s nice to talk to you about stuff other than basketball. Thank you for all you’ve done for me this past four years!
    
Coach Merg - Remember that one day I gave you a proud coaching moment? Yeah me too! You’re welcome haha. You are a great coach because you take the time to work with individuals one-on-one. I’m a little sad that you came to SMU this year. This only means we have a lot of getting to know each other this spring!
    
Ben Kroll - Thank you for always helping me out when I had a problem. I was hoping I’d never have to go to the training room but, I think I was a little too optimistic this year!
    
Squad
I Iove you all so much! You have made my college experience worth wild. It’s nice when I’ve had a long day and I’m able to go to practice/games and spend the rest of the day with the best people around.
    
Aude - You are the best buddy anyone could ask for.  I love hanging out with you because your personality is awesome. You go out of your way for others. But, most importantly you cheer me up when I’m down.  You have become one of my best friends here and our friendship continues to grow stronger. You’re an awesome player with a 3 punch combo…I never know if I should play you for the drive or shot!! And, then I’m worried about you crashing the O boards hard! But, in all seriousness, continue to work hard because that’s how you become successful. It’s a tough and long road to become that but as long as you never give up, you will be successful.
    
Bridget - Since you came here our friendship has grown and we even became roomies! I want to thank you for bringing someone whose name rhymes with Balla into my life?. I like coming to you to talk about stuff that’s going on in life. You give some of the best advice. You are the hardest worker I know. I keep saying this to you but, what you’ve gone through this year is only a minor setback for a major comeback next year. Good luck with the recovery process and I can’t wait to see you on the court next year!
    
Drewski - I think I’m secure enough to say you are hands down the best manager the MIAC has ever seen! You are so self-less, thoughtful, and you put the team before yourself and I appreciate that so much. Hopefully you’re ready to pass down the manager torch to Paola ?
    
Emma - I’m so happy I got to play with you. Last year, everyone always talk about how fun it is playing with you and they were right! We have gotten so close this year and it’s a little sad. I won’t ever forget how supportive you were this year. In practice, you always went out of your way to give me a high-five or just some words of encouragement. Thank you for being a good friend and teammate!
    
Haley - I’m so happy we became roomies this year. It has made us closer as teammates and friends. It’s obvious that your dedication and commitment is going to carry you far in life. I even see you approach school with the same attitude. The energy and desire you bring to the team is like a breath of fresh air. I noticed it last year during the NCAA National Tournament game. We were struggling and during a time-out you gave a motivating speech. You didn’t need to say a lot of words. The honesty in your words is what made that moment special. I’m going to miss you and I’m so very proud of you!
   
Jesse - Most people say the person who they enjoy talking about basketball with is their parents. I love talking basketball with you because your IQ is off the charts. You for sure have a bright future in coaching!! Thank you for always encouraging me and your love for the game is commendable.
    
Kayla - Round of applause for the best locker buddy I could have. I enjoy playing with you so much! You’re passing skills are crazy. I was only hoping this year you’d throw me a sick half court pass for a layup and we’d end up on Sports Center Top 10 list. I’m going to miss you and I can’t wait to see you out on the court next year!
    
LaRissa - Thank you for all the help you do! Your commitment to the team is outstanding and you worked very hard during pre-season.
    
Little Lex - You are one of the sweetest friends I have and you have an awesome personality. I’m going to miss playing with you and joking around all the time. You have two demeanor’s when you play…I love the Lex who decides she going take the last shot in the game to keep us from overtime against Concordia ;). Remember those moments when playing. It gives you that confidence and swagger needed to help the team.
    
Micaela - Dithy! I’m finally getting used to calling you by your nick-name! I love that we were always on the same practice team. It gave us a lot of chemistry on the court. I look to you to answer my questions and you are always helpful. I bet you get so annoyed at times haha. You have always been a great friend to me. I remember when I was a sophomore, you would come and sit with me while I worked the RAC desk. You were fun company to have?.  I’m going to miss you once I graduate so we have to make this spring count!
    
Molly - We are all blessed to be able to play basketball and receive an education at the same time. I love that you recognize this about yourself. You never specifically told me that you do but, I can see how much this game means to you. You have passion and appreciate the talents you have and I can’t believe you‘re only a freshman! Your future is bright and I’m excited to watch you grow in the next three years. I’m going to miss you a lot. Especially coming to you and Lex’s room just to chill and hang out.
    
Natalie - If you have the name Natalie then you must be pretty awesome, right? You’re funny, smart, and kind and all those great qualities are what make you a great friend. I know this year may have turned out differently than what you expected but, you’ve been strong. I’m excited to see what your senior year has in-store for you.  Thank you for supporting me this year. You are a great teammate to have, Nat!
    
Paola - You are doing such a great job at managing and I hope Andrew is giving you all the tools you’ll need for the next few years! Thank you for all that you do!
    
Sam Balla - I am extremely proud of you. It’s only been two years but over this time I have seen you grow as a player and person! I’m so excited for the rest of your college career. I’m going to miss you so much. I remember you were the first person from your class I talked to and our friendship has grown a lot since then. I’m a little jealous of the next person who gets to be your loudest cheerleader out there ?
    
Saraaaaa - Remember freshman year when we could have been roommates? Unfortunately, it didn’t work out but we became teammates instead! What I always admired about you is your competitiveness and determination to win. But, my favorite thing about you is how happy you look when you walk into the locker room before practice starts. It’s always nice to see your readiness and attitude towards getting better each day. You are hands down one of the funniest friends I have. You tried to be quiet freshman year but, I told you that you were going to be that secret funny person that just blossoms. I’m going to miss seeing Sassy Sara out there on the court! Enjoy and appreciate your special day ?
    
Sheebs - You’re an absolute stud at basketball. When I think of what confidence is, I picture you. You play fearless and you never back down from a challenge. I’m pretty sure your love for cats has rubbed off on me too. I’m going to miss seeing you all the time because hearing one funny joke from you makes my day better. What I won’t miss is Corporate Finance at 8am. I think Speck has seen enough of us in class this year ;).
    
Tay - Okay-Tay! You are a great teammate but most importantly an amazing friend. You have helped me in so many ways through these four years. I appreciate how caring, kind, and honest you can be. You are someone who pushes me to be a better teammate and person. Your basketball career has been great. You’ve always made me proud but there’s one moment that sticks out the most. This season, you scored a career high 22 points (welcome to the dub club) and your energy and thirst to win that game was incredible to see. Remember that you’re too fast, too strong, and just too good!! I’m so happy I got to play with you this year. When played against each other in high school, I had no idea that you’d be one of my best friends in life. Enjoy this special day!
    
Court Euerle & Darcey Rice - These two get a special shout out. This year was special and different than any year here at SMU. From being the team manager to a player was a tough transition and I want to thank Court and Darcey for encouraging me to make the decision to play for my last year. You guys have made my college experience so much fun.  Court, there’s so much I could say. I don’t know what I’ve would of done this year without you. You weren’t around but you were always there to answer my calls/texts. I’m going to miss when you would come to visit just to hang out with us. Maybe you should make those trips to Chicago once I graduate haha. If I haven’t told you recently, I am so very proud of you. Darc, having you here for one semester was just a tease…it went by to quick.  I miss you so much and you were so supportive of my decision to play. One of my goals this year was to live up to my jersey number; I hope I left you pleased!
    
Brittany Begrowicz, Corrine McCallum, Court Athnos, Coco Booker, & Jess Thone - Britt, thank you for being there for me all the time and for the team. I can always count on you to make a special trip to watch us play. I love that you watch the games online. I can’t wait to get back home to hang out with you all the time! Corrine, I want to thank you for supporting this year. I loved hearing you cheer for me in the crowd! Court Athnos, your game day snaps and texts will be missed and thank you for always being the tam #1 cheerleader! Coco, I miss seeing all the time but when I did see you this year it was at our games and I really appreciate you coming. Jess, I wouldn’t dare forget to give you a shout out. I have great memories from my first couple of years with the team thanks to you!
    
Faculty - I appreciate the entire faculty for coming out to the games. I know a lot of you participated in our fundraiser earlier this year and I want to thank you for the support. I love seeing you all were your t-shirts in the stands! The Cardinal Pride you all show is outstanding and encouraging!
    
New Village - I want to give a special shout- out to my New Village neighbors and roommate. Thank you to Maya Booker, Katie Miller, Jenna Trio, Sarah Pawlik, Megan Shultz, and Mary Nordick for their amazing support this season. I can always count you all to be at the games.
    
Lastly, thank you to my roommate, Jenna Sullivan for always coming to our games. You even watched out games online while attending the men’s basketball games. Now, that is dedication! Your support is awesome and I bet over the years you might have come to as many away games as you have home games.