How has it already been four years?! I remember the first time Neil called and I had said ‘what??’ a hundred times because I couldn’t understand what he was saying in his English accent! These past four years have absolutely flown by. And although these years have been a roller coaster to say the least, I wouldn’t change them for anything. I have had the chance to grow and learn so much as an individual, and for that I am so grateful to the coaching staff, my parents, and of course my amazing teammates. Soccer has been such an important part of my life for as long as I can remember and I know that it will continue to be a part of my life even after my time at SMU.
Cherish the next four years, it’s going to fly by.
To the most influential and important people in my life: Thank you for your everlasting support and unconditional love on and off of the field, I am so blessed to have you as my parents. Dad - I can’t thank you enough for being my rock, my favorite coach, and for continuously believing in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. For the countless hours of coaching and practicing with me, to driving to tournaments all over the country, and for dealing with me getting countless yellow cards and penalties, there is no one else I would want to hear cheering, or yelling at me, from the sidelines! Mom - It means the absolute world to me when I look up in the stands and see you and dad cheering me on! Thank you for always making sure I was on time to practices and games, especially when I was playing more than one sport! You always know what to say to calm me down after an intense game, but you also know when to let me vent and get things off of my chest, and for that I am so grateful. I love you both so much, thank you for continuously being the best role-model a girl could ask for. Ben and Joey - My not-so-little brothers, I’m sorry mom and dad always dragged you to my games, but it meant so much to me when you guys came and cheered me on! I remember being so excited when you guys started playing soccer too, and although it only lasted a few years, you both continued to show your understanding and love of the sport by supporting me at my games. I’m so lucky to have two compassionate and caring brothers in my life, thank you for always watching Netflix with me and being my built-in best friends, I love you both so much.
Neil - Thank you for seeing my potential and helping to shape me into the player I am today! You were a big reason why I decided to come to SMU and I’m so happy that I had the chance to play for you and be apart of this program! I want to say thank you for also helping to get me to break out of my shell and become more comfortable and confident on and off of the field. You have been such a great coach and I’m so happy that I got to be a part of the team for the last four years!
Jeff - My favorite tour guide and the only coach who has told me to knock more girls down on the field, if that’s even possible. Thank you for supporting my pushing and tackling on the field, as well as providing humor and love to our team.
Frank - By far my favorite forward coach, thank you for providing fun and meaningful drills for us while also pushing us to do our best. I’m going to miss you and your humor so much!
Corbin - I remember being a part of the interviewing process and being so excited when Neil told us that you were one of the new coaches! I appreciate your feedback and positivity so much! I know it can be hard dealing with us girls and all of the jokes that we make, especially when they’re about you, but just know it’s out of love!
Freshmen: There may be only four of you guys this year, but wow have you girls made an impact on our team! Each of you brings so much personality, talent, and sass to the team and I’m so thankful for that.... Even when Ashley has more attitude than me, I know hard to believe, and even when Gabby punts the ball straight at my head :)
Ash - I really appreciate the fact that I can always count on you to bring the sass to every practice, game, and team event.... even after I graduate. You work so hard on the field, don’t think it goes unnoticed!
Shell & Haley - You guys have the most upbeat personalities! I’m so glad that you guys got to see the field, cheer from the sidelines, and become a part of our family this year!
Gabs - One of my favorite things this season was seeing your smiling face in goal! I’m SO happy that we’ve spending so much time together and I can’t wait to watch you grow as a goalie and as a person!!
Sophomores: Our three fierce sophomores, I can’t help but think that you guys are still freshmen! You guys are already half-way through your collegiate soccer careers, can you believe it?! Neither can I! You are all such amazing players and friends and I’m so thankful for that.
Erin - The only other education major on the team! Your drive and perseverance on the field is truly amazing. You’re going to be such an amazing teacher, whether it’s math or second grade, those kids are going to be lucky to have you!
Mads - I love to hate the fact that you never play on the left side of the field. You bring so much humor and talent to our team, and I’m so grateful for that. I wish more than anything that you had gotten the chance to play the entire season this year, but on the bright side you still have two full years to score a ton of goals and make fun of everyone on the team!
Maura - Fish, you are such a fighter! Thank you for brining the heat and pushing through the pain, you’re going places!
Becca - I’m so happy that we have gotten closer this year! Your speed and personality makes you unstoppable, keep working hard!
Juniors: You girls have been here through it all with us seniors! The ups and downs, the smiles and tears, you have all made an impact on my life in one way or another! Each of you are such strong leaders and deserve the absolute best!
Abby - Our leader in the back line. You continue to prove yourself and show heart at every practice and game, keep up the incredible work! As for off the field, thank you for always being there for me and being a part of my life! You truly know how to turn a bad day into a better one.
Rina, Mar-Car, Sarah, and Analiese - You each have so much talent and heart! Thank you for bringing the heat and always pushing everyone to do their best!
Emily - My evil twin. Your passion and love for the game is incredible, not to mention your amazing left foot, which I’ll always be jealous of. You have been and continue to be such an amazing friend. There’s no one else I’d rather have as my sister here on campus. Thank you for believing in me and always pushing me, on the field and literally, in everything that I do. I value your friendship more than you will ever know.
Seniors: I don’t know what I would do without my fellow seniors! From the first day of preseason four years ago to know, look at how far we have come. There is no one else I would want to share these past four years with. Thank you for keeping me sane and dealing with the sass all these years, I’m going to miss all of you more than words can say.
Emma - Our unstoppable and most valuable player on the team. I wish I had half the talent that you have, Em. Not only that but you bring so much joy and laughter to our team! You have shown me that it’s okay to have ice cream for dinner and it’s okay to wear sweats for days on end and for that, I’m so grateful!
Ellen - Thank you for always heading the ball out of the box and stopping countless goals from being scored, seriously, thank you! I’m going to miss you and your red hair so much!
Marissa - My favorite Wild fan, thank you for always making me laugh and making light of even the worst situations. I’m so happy that you moved in with aubs and I freshmen year because I don’t know what I would do without you! You continue to show me that Minnesotans really aren’t that bad, eh! I can’t thank you enough for being my shoulder to cry on, my personal comedian, and for always being there for me, I guess I’ll keep you around!
Anna - My biggest motivator. You continue to show me what hard work and determination really is. Thank you for always giving 110% on the field and for putting up with my sass, even though you give it right back.
Aubs - Your welcome I let you live with me the past four years, it’s been okay I guess. But really, thank you for being my rock and dealing with me at my worst. I’m so happy that we’ve been roommates these past four year, even if we only started to like each other towards the end of freshmen year. I love that we spend so much time together, not only during the school year, but also in the summer going on family vacations and trips together! So thank you.... For working out with me, going on drives, getting food at 2am, making fun of me and most importantly for putting up with me.
One last thank you to everyone who has believed in me and has been there for me, I couldn’t have done it without you all! Through the good and the bad, the frustration and the triumphs, thank you for allowing and encouraging me to have the most amazing soccer experience!
xoxo, Bridge
