Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It is hard to believe that this time has come. Time has flown by. These last four years have truly been amazing. Volleyball has been a big part of these past four years and it is going to be tough to let it go. I am thankful for the people and the memories I have made.
    
Now to start the list of thank yous.
    
Most importantly I would like to thank my family. I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it were not for the support you have given me throughout the years. I cannot even begin to express how much it means to me. Mom and dad I appreciate all the road trips you have taken over the years to support the team and me.
    
Mom, I don’t even know where to begin. We have been through so much and have had made so many great memories together. You have no idea how much the little things we do together and how much our daily conversations mean to me. I cannot thank you enough for all of the support you have given me over the years. I am always able to hear you cheering from the stands no matter how good or bad the game may be going. Be confident and stay positive are still my favorite. I think it is safe to say that you are my biggest fan.  
    
Dad, thank you for all the times you played sports with me, rather it being playing volleyball or catching for me when I “tried” to be pitcher in softball. A certain memory that stays in my mind is when you thought it was a good idea to work on my serve in house, and I hit the top corner of mom’s hutch, which was full of mom’s antique teacups. Luckily nothing broke! Those are the memories that mean the most to me. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for me.
    
Zachary and Ryan, we have had many great times together rather it being watching Baby Daddy or Friends, playing knee football inside, running football routes or you guys showing off your “sweet” dunks on the basketball court in the backyard. We have made some really great memories together. I appreciate you guys making it to my games when you are able to, even if mom and dad make you.
    
I love you all so much and I would not trade you for the world.
    
To my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins your overwhelming support over the years has meant so much to me. I cannot thank you enough. I remember looking up in the stands during sporting events and seeing all of you guys take up a section of the bleachers. I am very lucky to have all of you in my life. I love you guys all so much!
    
I know there was a certain someone who was always missing from the stands, but we all know that he had the best seats in the house. Love and miss you everyday, Dennis.
    
To the Coaches:
    
Coach: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play on the volleyball team and for the dedication you put into this program. I have made many memories and have met some of the greatest people. I cannot thank you enough.
    
Jackie: Thank you for pushing me everyday in practice to make me a better player. You are truly an amazing person and coach. I am so grateful to have had you for an assistant coach for 3 great seasons. It has been a blast.
    
Rhode: I am so happy that I got to play for you all four years. I have learned so much from you and appreciate all of the insight you have given me over the years to help make me a better player. I also enjoy all of the stories and jokes you have told.
    
Jenna Ness: I miss you so much and our daily conversations about what kind of Nike shoes we have to get. I am glad I got to play for you even if it was only for one season. You helped make me a better player.  
    
Sagar: Quarters is all that comes to my mind. Ohhh the dreadful 5:30 a.m. alarms for morning workouts 3 days a week during the spring. Thank you for creating a good workout plan for us and for making 6:00 am workouts challenging and for pushing us.
    
Kelli: I cannot even begin to express how much your support means. Thank you for all of the times you have come to to the games to cheer us on and for making the drive to Augsburg last season for our playoff game. I am very lucky to have such a supportive roommate especially when you are already super busy with soccer and school. Much love!
    
Megan, Carissa, Cathy, Tara
    
Thank you for making freshman year a fun one. I had so much fun getting to know all of you and getting to play with you all. You were all great leaders on and off the court.  
    
Megan: It was so fun being able to be play yet another volleyball season with you again. It made my transition to college a lot easier knowing that we were going to be here. Thank you for everything that you have done for me.
    
Lexi, Bunne:
    
I will never forget the seasons that we had together, especially the 2013 season when we beat Concordia in playoffs. You guys are some of the funniest people I have ever met and are both very talented players. I am so glad that I got to play with you both for two years.
    
Molly, Mary, Janae
    
I miss you all so much! You guys never failed to make me laugh. I will never forget the season we had last year and the memories we made, like making playoffs. You guys will do great things and will have a very successful future. Janae I hope you are loving Med school, I am sure you are doing amazing!
    
SENIORS!!!

Tayler: My roomie, my twin, my best friend. Tay-Tay you are such a hard worker and always have a positive attitude no matter. You are a great leader on and off the court. You have developed into an amazing setter and we are so lucky to have you. We have made so many great memories over the years and it still hasn’t hit me that you are leaving me in December. I don’t know what I am going to do without my roomie next semester. Words cannot describe how much I am going to miss you. PLEASE visit as much as you can.
    
Emily: Another roomie of mine. I have had so much fun getting to know you over the years. We have made so many memories over the years and I cannot wait to make many more. I am so lucky to have you as a best friend. You can make me laugh hours on end especially with all of your nursing home stories. I swear they never get old. This team is very lucky to have you. Your positivity and energy you bring is contagious. You were a great player and you are an amazing manager. You are going to make an awesome PA someday!!!
    
Mack: From not saying a word to each other in our freshman literature class to being roomies second semester of sophomore year. Ohh those were the days! You are not only one of the most hilarious people I have ever met, but you are also one of the most athletic people I have ever met. I am so happy that you decided join the team after freshman season. Playing defense against you is a tad bit scary because you hit the ball so hard. You are an amazing volleyball player and have been a great addition to this team.
    
Al: From being rivals in high school to being teammates to being one of my friends...crazzzyyy. I am so happy that I get to cheer for one of your amazing hits rather than trying to dig one. You are such a talented player and this team is very lucky to have you. Thank you for deciding to transfer here sophomore year, I have had so much fun playing with you.
    
Lex: you are amazing in the back row. I have no idea how you get up half the balls you do and your ability to stay behind the 10-foot line when you set amazes me every time. You are such a hard worker and it definitely shows in everything you do. You also have some of the best pep talks I have ever heard. You can wipe your hands on my sleeve any time. I have had so much fun getting to know you and play with you over these past four years.
    
Jenna: Thank you for teaching me what a bench point was. I am glad that you decided to stay another year. I have had so much fun getting to know you over these last four years. You are one of the most passionate and dedicated players. You bring so much energy to the court in practice and in games. I have no doubt in my mind that volleyball will be in your future.
    
Kenz: I have had a lot of fun playing with you for two seasons and getting to know you. You were such a talented player and you were a great addition to the team. You are going to be an awesome teacher. I wish you nothing but luck in your future.
    
Juniors:
    
Moe: I am so happy I got to play with you for three seasons. You are a great passer and defender. You have so much talent. This team is very lucky to have someone so consistent in the back row. Be sure to stay confident and continue to work hard.
    
Murbs: Thank you for putting up with me on our long plane rides to Costa Rica because of my fear of flying… remember flying is the safest way of transportation. I really enjoy all the comments and the jokes you have. It has been fun getting to know you over these 3 years. It has been a privilege being your pepper partner this season. You are such a great player and teammate. Keep up the good work!
    
Maddie: If I had a quarter for every time you said you’re sorry I would be rich! You are one of the most hardworking players I know. Continue to work hard stay confident. You have developed into a great player. I have had a blast being your teammate.
    
Sophomores:
    
Sara: You are one of the funniest people I have ever met. I have had so much fun getting to know you even better this year. You have improved so much over the season. You are a great middle and will be successful in the future.
    
Britt: I am so happy that you have come out of your shell and started to talk more over the season because I think you are hilarious. I have had so much fun watching you develop into the player you are. You are a great setter. You are going to have a very successful career.
    
Clare: My Graphic Design buddy. You are amazing! I have had so much fun playing with you this season. You are a very talented player and have been a great addition to this team. Stay confident and keep working hard!
    
Cass: Yes, Cass I am counting you as a sophomore. You are great player and make very smart plays when you are on the court. This team is very lucky to have you. Keep up the hard work!
    
Freshmen:
    
Brittney, Brandi, Jordyn, Ciara, Gloria, Leah:
    
I have had so much fun getting to know each and every one of you. You are all great players! Enjoy these four years and cherish the memories. You’re four years will go by so fast; don’t take them for granted. I am so excited to see what you guys accomplish throughout your college career.
    
Lastly thank you to all of the fans, faculty, students and friends that have come out to support us. It is greatly appreciated. You guys are the best!