Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

This is probably one of the most difficult “paper” a senior has to write. It’s the time where we realize that it’s all coming to an end. All the hard work and dedication to the game we love stops. It’s hard to imagine how fast these last four years went, it seems that it was last week that I was dropped off for my first week of classes. I have a lot of people to thank for how I am where I am today.
    
Of course my mother, oh my mother. Everyone reading this right now knows my mom. Mom, I’m sorry that your days of watching me out there on the ice have to come to an end, but you’ll never stop being a hockey mom. Being a hockey mom isn’t an easy job, especially for you. I don’t know how you managed to get me to all my games and pay for all my outrageous ice bills but you are the main reason I am where I am today. I never say thank you enough for that. So thank you. Thank you for all that you have done for me, because it’s always been more than enough. Thank you for always being there for me and telling me to try my best and that I’m not a failure every time I tell you I am. You keep me sane but you also drive me insane, isn’t that your job? I love you crazy, loud mouth, huge hearted woman.
    
My father, he’s the one to thank for my ability to play hockey. He may not make it to many of my games anymore but he’s the one who taught me how to skate from day 1. Dad, thank you for the time and effort you put into 6 year-old Breanna, because that’s the same hockey player I am today, always the playmaker. I know you don’t think you do enough for me, but you do. You’ve done enough for me already, you taught me to love this aggravating game and man do I love it. Thank you for that. For teaching me all about the game, if I didn’t know the game like the back of my hand I wouldn’t be where I am today. I love you you old man.
    
My brother, because he’s the one crazy enough to shoot outside with me every single day trying to hit the pop cans that were hanging from the net. Without an older brother to look up to and inspire me, I wouldn’t even have started playing hockey in the first place. So thank you for that.
    
Christian Gaffy, I know I said I wouldn’t do this but you have helped me so much in the last two years and are so important to me, I had to add you in. Thank you for being you, for making me laugh after a bad practice and being a goalie so I could shoot on you (someone has to do it). Thank you for being the biggest supporter in my life, and helping me out when I need some advice. You’ve always pushed me to work harder and get better in school and in hockey. You always know the right thing to say just when I need it.  My best is always enough for you, and that’s exactly what I need. Thank you for helping me in my studies as well as hockey, you’ve always been so proud of me even when I’m having an off day. I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for us.
    
I’d like to thank all my friends that have been my #1 fans throughout the years, you guys are the best and I cherish having support from back home. Also my number one fan from California as well, number one roomie award goes to you Sydney Brown. I’d also like to say a thank you to my past Saint Mary’s teammates for helping me achieve all that I have, if it weren’t for you guys then I wouldn’t have made it to where I am.
    
Terry and coach Moore, you guys gave me a chance, a chance to be not only a better hockey player but also a better person.  You tried and tried to give me confidence, I know that’s my biggest downfall, but throughout these 4 years you never gave up on me because my confidence level rose extremely slow. So thank you, for always pushing me to be better, to lead better and to trust myself better.
    
To my teammates: You guys mean the world to me, and I know I don’t show that well, but you really do. You guys make me so happy, and happiness is a great gift. The one thing I want to tell you all, as a whole, is to never give up on your dreams. I know that’s cliché, but you all have so much potential and deserve the best.
    
Seniors: Look back to where we were freshman year for a second, and be thankful for how far we have all come, love you both.
    
Mary – Mary DeBartolo where do I even begin. You have matured so much and I want you to know how proud I am of you, and all your accomplishments. You know you’ve always been a little bit smarter than me, only a little though. But I can’t wait to see you do great things with your life, and you will. We won’t have to work at kwik trip (fingers crossed). Okay but actually thank you, for all the studying you’ve done with me. The homework we’ve done together and all those very long nights studying for finals. Thank you for always pushing me to be better on and off the ice. It’s been a great four years with you; I wouldn’t trade you for anyone.
    
Kenz- We’ve never really been that close but you’re going places kenz, you are so smart and so talented do not let anyone stop you from doing you. Thank you for being you. You have taught me to have a little fun in my life and that I am my own person and can do what I want. Thanks for being a great person kenz, and thanks for showing me what it’s like to be extremely dedicated to getting better but also extremely dedicated to having a blast.
    
Juniors – make your last year count, it will fly by.
    
Mckenna- Kenna, my struggle buddy in school. I know we both say that school isn’t our thing but our lives will figure themselves out, I know they will. You have a huge heart and open it up to all. I’ve always considered you one of my good friends and I hope it can stay that way. Don’t give up on your dreams ken, you have so much passion and heart for everything you do, continue to give your absolute best, it’s what you’re good at. Relax and have some fun.
    
Rory- The little wrecking ball on the team who always works her hardest. You may not get the recognition that you want but I see how hard you work day in and day out and I appreciate that.
    
Macki- My twin tower, you are talented but so humble. I admire that trait you have. The one who is literally good at everything she tries. I’m really glad that you decided to bring your awkward, funny and great self to SMU because this team is not the same without you. Thanks for being you.
    
LT- The awkward, crazy skater, and teacher lover that I came to love. Don’t change LT. You’re going to be the best teacher, it makes me jealous that you’ve found something that you’re so passionate about. Also, don’t let just anyone wear that number 15 next year LT, I know it should have been yours, so either take it or pass it on to someone you see fit.
    
Tori- I would have never imagined that you would come to be my roommate my last semester at SMU. You’re great, I hope you know that. You can always make me laugh and are down to do just about anything. Thanks for not giving up, and continuing to work hard even when times were hard.
    
Sophomores – keep chugging along, it may seem far away but I promise you it’s not.
    
Kass- You are something else, my little speedy devil out on the ice. Thanks for all the great goals and assists we’ve had, I wouldn’t have half of my recognition without you. Also, you are smart kass, very smart. No matter what you decide to do in life, know that you are smart and you can do whatever you put your mind to.
    
Ingrid- Ing, you can make me laugh on the spot, and I love that about you. Your laugh makes me laugh, love it. Also keep up the snipes, we all love it when you kill it on the ice.
    
Jane- Don’t let anyone bully you for being quiet, I know exactly how you feel. Have some confidence Jane, you’re a great player with great placement of shots. Keep on working hard, you’re an underrated player, show them that you deserve to be rated.
    
Jesse- You are MY psycho. I couldn’t be happier that you’re one of my cubby buddies this year, you keep me sane when I’m everything but. Keep your head on straight, never stop working so hard, and realize that things aren’t always going to go your way on the ice. You’re a great player with a great game, you don’t have to score or get an assist to inspire everyone out there. Keep your head held high, love you kid.
    
Linds- Lindsay taught me, everything I know. Thank you for being my other line mate who helped me get half of my recognition. I know what you’re going to do without me next year; you’re going to kill it. Never stop being childish, it’s a great addition to the locker room that keeps us all a little less on edge.
    
Taylor- Tay, thank you for coming into my life, you’re one of the greatest things to happen to me. Thank you for always telling me exactly what I need to hear, right when I need to hear it. Thank you for being my buddy who stays in with me and makes me laugh. Thank you for being you. Tay, if I have taught you once thing I hope it’s that you know the game. You have a great mindset for the game; don’t let anyone tell you differently. Have confidence, it’s something I wish I would have learned that a lot sooner.
    
Marah- Thank you for being a brick wall when we need it out there. I would have never thought that I would have ended my AAA career and my college career with you. Don’t ever give up on yourself; you’re a great person and a great player.
    
First years – live up your college career, it’s short lived.
    
Mandy- Always love hockey, your excitement always makes me happy, so never stop. Don’t let the little things bother you, you’re going to kill it in whatever you decide to do.
    
Molly – Keep being you, genuine and caring. You have qualities I admire. Don’t let anyone get to you, being you is the best thing you can do.
    
Jaime – You’re a great player, keep working hard and you’ll do great things.
    
Hannah – Never stop being the crazy kid we all love, you bring so much energy to the team every single day. You have more of an impact on this team than you think. Make every shift count out there, you always have scoring opportunities which means you must be doing something right.
    
KP –You’re a solid defensemen, know that. Congrats on scoring in your first game ever, it’s a great feeling.  Keep being weird, it’s a great quality to have.
    
Sami – My other cubby buddy, keep working hard. I love watching you out on the ice, so keep your head held high.
    
Rudey – You and Hannah are the reason this team likes going to the rink every single day. Continue making people laugh and get out of skemp so you can be as loud as you want.
    
Haley Jung – You are the best manager in the MIAC, and we really do appreciate all the work you do for us and all the time you spend with us, thank you! You know we all have your back if you ever need anything.