Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Writing one of these automatically leads you to want to start with a quote. Well, I thought that was too predictable, and to be honest, the only quotes I could really think of were from Bridesmaids.  I mean come on, we all know there was a Colonial Woman on the wing of our airplane on the way to Florida and she was churning butter!
    
Anyway, I am one of the few privileged to be able to spend four years at an amazing university and be able to play softball, too. There have been a number of people along my journey who have helped me and shared in these experiences with me.
    
First and above, all I want to thank my Mom and Dad for all they do for me. Not only have they put me through 17 years of private school education, but they continually make sacrifices to make sure that my sister and I can pursue an unlimited number of opportunities. They are my number one fans on and off the field. I am lucky to have parents that drive about 306 miles from Stickney to Winona—one way—every weekend to see me play at Saint Mary’s, went to every high school softball game, and drove to multiple states for me to play travel ball. Then on top of that, you have to include the hours of hitting practice and fielding everyday in the summer and the countless number of hours and money that went to pay for lessons and camps because I couldn’t hit my way out of a paper bag my freshman year of high school, right Dad! I truly cannot thank you enough for all that you do for me! I love you!
    
Allie- Sis, it has been fun being able to play on the same team with you for the first time. Your sarcasm and humor make everyday an adventure since you never know what is going to come out of your mouth (“I’m sexy” and “Thanks Milldog”) and your dedication and hardwork help push me to be a better player. I enjoy watching you play and can’t wait to see you the play the next three years. Love you and keep ripping the ball hard.
    
I want to thank the rest of my family including my Grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins who have come out to watch me play and have supported not only me but the team as well! Your kindness, support, and generosity are always appreciated!
    
Coach Miller and Coach CBray- Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play collegiate softball and be a part of the team for the past four years! The amount you do on and off the field for us players is incredible and I appreciate all the time and effort you gave me not only as a softball player but as a student as well! Flying on airplanes won’t be the same anymore Cbray.
    
Cassie, Kayla, and Mel- Thanks for all your time and energy in helping make this team great!
    
Coach Ed- Does this mean I still have to come to the tunnel three times a week? Joking. Thanks for all you have done for me in helping me become a better player.  Good luck with Princess number 1!
  
Jill and Trainers- Thank you to the Saint Mary’s training staff, especially Jill for all you have done for me these past couple years! Your job is not always glamorous and is normally full of whining girls but you still put up with us and always have our best interests at heart! I appreciate it!
    
Dana, Kacey, and Laura, my lovely roommates, thank you for your support throughout the years and for not locking me out of the room when I came home from away games!
    
The Vlazny girls, Pants, Tessa, Conner, Christine, and Lexi, thanks for being such supportive and caring friends!
    
The 202, Luke B, Luke K, Joe, and Aaron aka Rich, thanks for your help with Haunted Forest and support. Yes Luke, I know you still are waiting on your shirt for your 2 years of service of carrying the walls up the hill in the dark.
    
The Saint Mary’s Business Department and Jeff Hefel for all your help and support the past four years in my classes and with my majors.
    
To all of our fans, especially the parents who come to each and every game to cheer on our team.
    
I want to thank all the past Cardinals I have had the opportunity to play with- Bre, Nicole, Michelle, Paige, Hailey, Anna, Kayla, Julie, and Kristen- It was a privilege to play with each and every one of you. Thank you for being leaders and displaying the true meaning of Cardinal Softball.
    
Freshmen- Brittany, Katie, Abbey, Jordyn, Stanzy, Kali- What can I say except that it goes by fast. Take the time to get involved in everything you possibly can on campus. “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take.” I enjoyed getting to know all of you this season and before you were Cardinals. (I take all the credit! I knew I was a great overnight host!) Keep working hard and bring that high energy that you always do! I only see success in your future! Kali, remember to bring your laundry loop for away games because laundry will be done on the bus from now on.
    
Sophomores- Ashley, Alexa, Molly, Kathi, Gabby- Halfway there! Your class is the biggest bunch of goofballs ever! (Kathi, does the house in Florida have a refrigerator?) I will miss your positivity and dorkiness! Keep working hard and having fun while doing it!
    
Juniors- Jess W, Jess A, Katie E, Katie K, Mariah- This is your time. (Like that use of Saint Mary’s branding!) Make sure to give it all you got every day you take the field because you only have so many games left to play. Leave it all on the field and make them count! Katie E, please remember where you park your car when I’m gone and no, we are not taking the yellow school bus to the St. Kate’s games.
    
Last but not least- Al Raske, my fellow senior. It certainly has been a crazy four years. Last two standing and who would have thought. I feel honored and privileged to have been able to play four years of softball with you! Your talent and love for the game is unparalleled. It definitely always hasn't been easy but we made it! The qualities you have shown on the field like your passion, competitiveness, and self-confidence will surely make you successful in all that you put your mind to. I can’t wait until I get the call to come back to Saint Mary’s when it is your time to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
    
I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to play softball and attend Saint Mary’s. And well it may not be a Bridesmaids quote; I do think this sums up my feelings about these past four years. As the infamous Yankee Lou Gehrig said, “Today I consider myself the luckiest (wo)man on the face of the Earth.”