Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Wow, these four years flew by! It’s my senior year and my last year of playing collegiate tennis. I started playing tennis for the very first time my sophomore year in high school, so let’s just say college tennis was a rude awakening for me. When I got to Saint Mary’s, I tried to stay positive and not get discouraged from day one at try- outs because things were not looking too promising. Luckily I had an athletic background and coach believed in me and said, “I feel if I give you the right tools, you seem to pick things up very easily.” Although I wasn’t in the starting line- up my first two years, I never gave up. I worked extremely hard to get better and FINALLY my senior year, I got incredible results. My game improved immensely and my confidence level sky- rocketed! My favorite quote to this day is, “never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” I have held my head high the whole way through and met most of my goals. Being a student- athlete takes a lot of hard work and dedication but is truly rewarding. I am blessed with all of the support from the Saint Mary’s community. If I could do college tennis again at Saint Mary’s, I would in a heartbeat!
    
Now, I would like to thank some people who have helped me throughout my journey …
    
Casimir and Donna: You two are the main reason for who I am today. I am extremely blessed to have you two as role models. Always driving me to countless practices and games throughout my life and always being my #1 fans. You two always provide the greatest advice that helps me to excel in everything I do. Although you weren’t able to make most of my college matches, I know you were always rootin’ for me from Chicago! You two were the first people I would call after a match whether I won or lost. Yes, you’re special! Love you both and can’t wait to room with you back in Chicago for the next couple of years!
    
Kaitlin: Well sisyyy this is it, we are both seniors and ready to graduate. I believe we are both more than ready to move onto the next chapter in our lives. Thank you for being the best little sister anyone could ever ask for. I am so happy that I was able to share my athletic talent with you and help make you a better athlete. You are a tough individual and always put up a good fight. I always loved going to all of your games and cheering you on! Wherever you decide to go and play college soccer, they will be extremely lucky to have you on their team. I promise I will come and visit as much as I can. You have a bright future ahead of you and I can’t wait to see all of your accomplishments. Always know that I am just a phone call away!
    
Coach Halberg: I first want to thank you for not cutting me my freshman year and believing in me. If it weren’t for that, I would have given up on tennis completely and not had the amazing experience of college tennis these past four years. I appreciate your dedication as a coach to this team. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and providing an amazing experience traveling and playing tennis in England. It is a memory I am still talking about today and one I will cherish forever! Also, I will never forget running through Chicago’s Midway Airport trying to catch our plane. I think it helped us prepare for our spring beep test a bit. 
    
Coach Duden: We both started off on this team as fresh meat. I think you were a great addition to this team and have a lot to offer. Your laidback personality reflects the attitude of our team in a very positive way. Thank you for providing me with the skills to improve my game and helping me to become the player I am today!
    
Dr. Mr. and Mrs. Sorvaag: When I came for my visit to Saint Mary’s, you both were so warm and welcoming. I want to thank you both for all of your help and support these past four years. Your passion for education and helping students is something I strongly admire. I enjoyed being a student in your classes and gained a plethora of new knowledge. Lastly, thank you for supporting me in tennis and cheering me on at my matches!
    
Professor Olson and Professor Robeson: Thank you both for guiding me through these four years at Saint Mary’s. It has been a pleasure working closely with you to achieve all of my dreams and goals. I appreciate all you have done for me and hope to stay in touch after I graduate!
    
Lydia Boysen: I want to first thank you for taking me in as an intern with the Winona Park and Recreation Center. I didn’t know exactly what to expect at first and was nervous for my first day. However, after you graced me with your presence, I knew right away that we would work well together and accomplish many tasks. You are one of the most creative people I know. You inspired me to broaden my horizons and brought out a different side of me that I never thought I was capable of. Thank you for the amazing experience to conclude my senior year!
    
Roomies: Hey Kacie and Danielle……..NOTHING! Bye Felicia!........... Just kidding. I am so blessed to have you two as my roommates. There are countless memories that we had this year and I would be writing a novel if I wrote them all down on paper. I don’t know what I would do without you two and I wouldn’t trade you for the world! I know without a doubt that you both are going to be beyond successful in your future careers and I cant wait to be a part of that. Thank you so much for all your support throughout this year and making it an unforgettable senior year. Can’t wait to graduate and move back to Chicago with my best friends! Love you, mean it!
    
Armando:
    
BAAAAAAAAAAAA! Thank you for being another big brother to me this past year. You are great to have around the house and are always making me laugh! Can’t wait to graduate and move back to Chicago with you! You must go, your planet need you.
    
P.S. #goatlivesmatter
    
Edward’s Sisters: If I had to describe you three in one word it would be wild. When I joined the team my freshmen year I was extremely intimidated by all of you. However, that quickly changed and you three became one of my family. You three inspired me with the amazing skills you have and one of the reasons why I never gave up and kept trying. You are greatly missed on this team; it’s truly not the same. I hope I continue to stay in touch with you guys and make my annual Fourth of July trip to your house as much as I can. Always an adventure with you three!
    
Lindsey: I love how close we have become these past few years. There is never a dull moment with you. Spring break trips in Florida were always a blast with you! I think we mastered the wobble. I am going to miss you when we graduate and I hope to stay in touch! Your work ethic never ceases to amaze me and I know you are going to do great things! Remember, always BRING THE ACTION!
    
Allie: When you came as a recruit 2 years ago, I knew you would fit right in with the team! It’s unfortunate we didn’t get to spend as much time on the team together, but it is what it is. I am glad we still hang out outside of tennis. You are always fun to be around and exploring England with you was a memorable experience! Good luck these next two years and save me a spot in your dorm next year for when I visit!
    
Leanne: You are one of the sweetest girls I have ever met! I truly enjoyed playing doubles with you last year. Playing together in England against Oxford was defiantly unforgettable. Drinking water out of teacups during the match was beyond classy. I absolutely love hearing about your travel adventures and hope to stay in touch to hear many more! Good luck with your senior year and I can’t wait to visit next year!
    
P.S. Tell your parents thanks for always coming to support us and always picked me up when I was down. They were the perfect substitute for my parents!
    
Ashley: I am so grateful that our rough sense of humor and sarcasm brought us together right from the start. You always make me laugh and put a smile on my face every practice. It is just the beginning of your journey of collegiate tennis and let me tell you, I would kill to be in your position again right now. You are an amazing tennis player and always give a tough fight out there. I hope I set a good example for you both on and off the court. Keep up the good work and I promise you that you will see the results that you want to. Remember, don’t blink because your college years are going to fly right by! I will make every effort to come up and visit and watch some matches next year.
    
Kirsten: I am so glad you decided to re-join the team this year. You are a strong asset to this team and have so much to offer. I hope you have a great senior year and best of luck student- teaching next semester. You are going to make an amazing math teacher one day!
    
Meghan and Haley: It was great spending these past two years on the team with you two. You both brought so much talent to the team and have so much passion for the game. Good luck with the rest of your college years and keep working hard! Haley, I enjoyed playing doubles with you, you have such a positive attitude and it helped keep our spirits high!
    
Sheyanne: I am so happy that you joined our team this year. You have clearly improved tremendously already and it’s only your freshman year. I wish we had more time together but I’m glad I was able to call you my teammate. Keep up the positive attitude and good luck with your remaining years of college! If you decide to continue on the Elementary Education track, I believe you will make a wonderful teacher!
    
Katie and Aubrie: Thank you for stepping up to the plate and helping our team out, it means so much! Katie, I am happy we were able to support you in your softball game out in Florida. Your tears of joy when we surprised you made it even more worth it. Best of luck to you both with the rest of your college career!
    
Saint Mary’s Men’s Tennis: Thank you for supporting us at our matches and cheering us on. You guys have a very strong team and I wish you nothing but the best next year and years to come!
    
I hope to stay in touch with everyone after graduation. Saint Mary’s will forever be my second home. Simply, the best four years of my life!
    
GO BIRDS!