Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

 Well, here we are, in our final season of Cardinal Volleyball. Is it crazy to think that just yesterday I was a freshman living in Skemp 113? I honestly don’t know where all of these years have gone so quickly - I guess that’s a good sign as I have enjoyed every minute of it! I can’t begin to express my gratitude for being a part of such a unique team; it has given me lifelong friendships, the ability to push myself further than ever before, learn valuable time management skills, and have been given so many great experiences, to name a few: getting to stand on the top of Pikes Peak, seeing the US Air Force Academy, getting a private visitation of the Stanley Cup during practice, and last but not least being chased by Costa Rican monkeys through the jungle. A few thank you’s are in line for everything I’ve been able to accomplish so far.
    
To my parents: Mom and dad, I can’t thank you enough for supporting me through the ups and downs of being in athletics my whole life. Getting all of us kids to and from practice and games couldn’t have been easy.  From those 15 hour JO tournaments in Rochester to the excitement of winning playoff games, I appreciate the commitment from you guys. Sports have never come easy for any of us kids, and for you guys to keep encouraging me through college has meant a lot. I know what hard work consists of because of you. Thanks for being the best cheerleaders out there, I love you!
  
To my siblings: Angie and Missy, thanks for paving the way for me here at SMU, and of course coming  to support the team during your busy lives. I appreciate the guidance and support you’ve provided me all my life. I couldn’t have asked for better sisters. Tyler, I appreciate your “it’s life” words of inspiration because sometimes I just need to let some things go! Thanks for always being there and keeping me grounded. You guys are the best!
    
To my roommate: Kelli, we’ve been in it together since day one of our preseasons and classes; I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to have you as a support system. Since we typically have the same struggles, we get each other and that’s hard to come by at a small school. I appreciate your appearances at our games even if it ends up being just one a season; it’s probably the same on my end for your games. Thanks for being my partner in crime for the past 4 years!!
    
To my coaches: Coach, I remember my first day of preseason and how ridiculously scared I was. However, within just a couple of weeks I knew things were going to be okay. You have a way of working with each player to their specific needs and it shows a lot. I have improved and learned SO much since that first day of tryouts and I have you to thank for that. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the team and I, it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Jackie, your southern spunk and D1 experience has added another dynamic to our team. I know you probably don’t appreciate us mocking your accent, but we can’t resist... especially on those long van rides: “Y’ALL ARE DRIVIN’ ME CRAZY!!” I know how much you’ve gone through since joining our team, and I wanted to thank you for being so resilient through it all. I appreciate everything you’ve taught us. Thank you!! Rhode, you have taught us middles SO much and I am eternally grateful for that. Your patience while trying to get a new concept across has been really impressive. I know this isn’t a secret anymore, but going to your court was my favorite part of practice. Thanks for everything!
    
To my graduated teammates: Lexi and Bunne, you guys are missed every day for all of the laughs you’d bring to practices and games. Whether it was Lexi voicing her hilarious opinions about something or Buns’ random TV show quotes in the middle of practice, I won’t ever forget the good times with you girls.  Molly, Mary, and Janae, it was sure a weird feeling coming back this fall as the SENIORS! We’ve been through it all together, I’ve gotten to know you all so well and am so grateful for that. Molly, I miss our life chats and vent sessions. Mary, life is never dull when you’re around; your teenage lingo cracks me up. Janae, your perseverance is incredible and I appreciate your words of wisdom as a fellow science major.
    
To my current teammates: I just wanted to thank you guys for being the absolute best teammates I’ve ever had, through the super fun times, and not so fun times. The team chemistry we have going on is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I’ll always look back at “the glory days” of being a cardinal because of you. I am truly grateful for the friendships I’ve made with you all.
    
To the seniors:
    
Jord, after living with you for the past two years I’ve gotten to know you so well, maybe too well… I love our life chats, love of chocolate, and ability to watch One Tree Hill for hours on end together. You have the most contagious laugh/snort whatever it ends up being and humorous personality. Thanks for being someone I can always count on for a laugh or a hug.
    
Tay, your feistiness always keeps it interesting around the house, and I love it! You’re never afraid to stand up for yourself or us roommates. I love you for your moms pickles, your ability to make me fall asleep within minutes of playing with my hair, and our snuggle sessions. Thanks for putting up with me all of these years!
    
Jenna, technically you’re not just a senior, but I’ll let that slide! I have never met someone so dedicated to this team and willing to do anything for a teammate. I appreciate the leadership you’ve brought to this team as well as all of the laughs. You know so much about volleyball and I’m grateful for your tips and tricks.
    
Lex, you’re always there for everyone no matter the issue, whether its life in general or volleyball related. If I didn’t know you I’d be terrified of your pep-talks between games, who would have thought so much can come from something so small! I’ll miss your realistic self and our twin talks.
    
Macki, I’ll never forget coach informing us that a hockey player wanted to join the team… however am I glad you did! Your practical jokes never get old and it’s usually a nice change of pace, unless I’m the victim. You introducing the ODDS game to our team has really been something, I’ll leave it at that.
    
Al, I’m so glad you decided to come back your sophomore year. I love our dog, mainly boxer, chats and science major problems; it makes life easier having someone to relate to. Your determination to get back on the court this fall has been incredible, I’m happy for you!
    
Kenz, you’ve been missed, but I support your decision on doing what makes you happy. Thanks for all of the great years!!
    
To the juniors:
    
Murbs, you’re probably the funniest person I’ve ever met with your unique sense of humor. Also, I don’t think I know someone who knows every random fact on this planet like you. Being in your presence never gets old; thanks for the belly-aching laughs.
    
Moe, I love your cool and collected personality – it calms the rest of the nuts on this team. Also, our life chats about what the heck to do after we leave this place are always reassuring. I thoroughly enjoyed watching your baby Doberman grow up, gosh he’s cute.
    
Maddie, you’ll probably always be the winner of the vertical jump, it’s like you have springs in your feet, for that I’m jealous! I’m so thankful for your parents’ feasts they spread at many of our tournaments, since I know the one thing our team has in common is that we like to eat. Your determination on and off the court is truly inspiring, keep doing you; you’ll go places in life.
    
To the sophomores:
    
Cass, having you in my 100 level art class is a blessing; I don’t know what I’d do without you! You’re having a great season, I’m happy for you coming back from a rough injury last year.
    
Clare, you work so hard and your time will come, trust me. I love your down-to-earth personality and all of the things we end up chatting about, like boys.
    
Sara, your humor and stories, especially about the scarf, never get old; I can always count on a good laugh when I’m around you.
    
Brit, you may have the softest voice I’ve ever heard, but the words that come out of your mouth are so blunt. I love listening to you tell someone they need to shave, or that they have weird toes.  
    
To the freshmen: Brandi, Brittney, Ciara, Gloria, Jordyn, and Leah: you’re our replacements; we also came in as a big mob and I know it’s made us closer. Keep each other together and keep working hard. I’m impressed with your guys’ ability to tear up the court, you all will do well in the seasons to come!
    
To our strength/conditioning coach: Matt, you’re what I’d like to describe as having a love-hate relationship with. Once upon a time, Tay, Jord, and I would silently walk, single file, to your sessions at 5:30 AM because we were always crabby, every morning. However, as much as we hated it, I have to say that was my best spring volleyball season ever; I’ve never been so strong and for that, thank you. You’ve classically conditioned me to get a stomach ache whenever I hear “get to the line” or the word “quarters,” but it’s okay, I think I will survive! Thanks for pushing us and being there to support us!