Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

I cannot believe that my four-year basketball-managing career is coming to an end. Managing the women’s basketball team since my freshman year has taught me skills that I know will help me in my future and has allowed me to meet some amazing people. The women’s basketball team has become my second family at Saint Mary’s.
    
I would like to especially thank my parents for providing me with the support and encouragement I needed to push through the struggles that I encountered during my four years. If it were not for their advice and positive mindset, I don’t think I would have made it though college. It is because of their wise words during the difficult times that I was able to pull through and get things done. The man that I am today is the result of their amazing parenting.  My parents have been my rock, and I don’t think I can thank them enough for all that they have done.
    
Coach Pearson—you are an amazing coach. I would like to thank you for allowing me to become part of your team, which has given me a sense of belonging at SMU and has been such an important aspect of my college experience.  Thank you!
    
Coach Freudenberg—I will always remember the direction you gave to the players to “control the controllables.”  I, too, will apply your message to my life, including my professional career.  I continue to work on recognizing what I can control, and because of you I have that quote to remind me.  Thank you.
    
Boese—I am really glad that I’ve gotten the chance to get to know you over my four years. You are a man of very few words, but when we do talk, we have very good conversations.  Thank you!
    
Ben—You are my favorite trainer. Thank you for taking the time to shoot around with me.  The lessons you’ve taught me have helped me improve my shooting.
    
To my fellow seniors, I love all of you.
    
Nasty—I love you! You are one of the most laid back people I know. I know you hate it when I am always trying to make you mad, but that is my way of showing my love for you.
    
Sara—All I can think of is freshmen year when you were this innocent young lady. Today you are far from it, and I love it. You are one of the sassy people I know, and it is nice to have someone to go back and forth with.  I am going to miss you.
    
Octavia—I love you so much. You are my best friend, and I am so happy that we were able to go on this journey together. I can’t imagine it being any other way. You are the true MVP! You are always there for me when I need to talk or when I just need someone. We have a very strong friendship, and I can’t wait to see what our futures hold.
    
Juniors
    
Bridget—You’re the sweetest person I’ve ever known. You have a heart of gold, and you are a born leader. You’re going to recover and come back stronger than before.
    
Haley—You are the most positive person that I’ve ever encountered. You bring the best out of everyone, so keep it up. You always put a smile on my face. Your work ethic is amazing.  Luv Ya!
    
Micaela—I am so impressed with how you stepped up this year. You are a very good player, and it has been a joy to watch you play this year.
    
Shelby—You are so funny. I love being silly with you and making jokes. You really understand my humor.
    
Natalie—I really love being around you. You can talk for days, but I love that about you. It makes things easy for me because I don’t have to worry about our conversations going dry.
    
Sophomores:
    
Emma—My snapchat buddy, you are so funny. I love talking to you.  The conversations we have always leave me laughing for days.
    
Aude—Yesssssssssssss! I am going to miss rebounding for you and every time you make a shot yelling,  “yessssss”! You are an amazing player; keep up the hard work. Keep working on falling gracefully.
    
Sam—You are a ball of fun. You always have a smile on your face, even when things get really hard in practice.
    
Jessie—I would like to thank you for taking the time to work with me on my shooting. You kept encouraging me to keep shooting when I just wanted to give up. (Dramatic Me.) Even though you made me cry many times during practice because you say I talk too much, I still love you. Thanks for being there.    
    
Freshmen:
    
Lex—You are the most innocent person I have ever met. You’re so sweet, and I am going the miss the comments that you make. They are sometimes so funny, and they always make my day.
    
Molly—You will never be as sassy as me, but I will let you think you are. You are a very good ball player, and I can see you doing big things here at SMU.  Love You!
    
Kayla—You have some of the sickest passes that I have ever seen. Keep up the good work and you will go far.  
    
It has been an awesome four years that I will never forget. All of you young women mean so much to me. You all are amazing players and will go very far. I will miss you all and hope that we keep in touch.
    
I would also like to thank two faculty/staff members:
    
Karen Hemker—Thank you for dealing with me. I know that I was a pain because I never felt that I needed to make an appointment with you and that I could just drop into office. You always found a way to accommodate me. You have been there for me through all four years no matter what, and you have put me in my place when I’ve needed to be put there. Thank you so much.  I love you.
    
Dean Beckman—You’re a very funny man. I love the jokes that you tell in class. Sometimes I wondered if you were a crazy person because you dealt with me so calmly when I was panicking or worried about something. You are the best advisor ever; you helped me find the right major, then you stuck with me through all the struggling times during my four years. Thank you so much. You’re the best.