Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Looking back on these four years I am so incredibly thankful for this team. We have been through so much together. Although this is my last year playing college soccer the memories made among us will last a lifetime. To some soccer might just a game, but as an athlete who has participated in it most of their life I can say it is much more than that. The amount of sweat, blood and tears are just a testament to what soccer is and what makes this such turning point in my life so bitter-sweet. It has inevitably become a major part of my life. It has taught me a lot about life. Soccer has taught me sportsmanship, how to hold my tongue, what sacrifice is, the importance of hard work and that great things happen when you stop caring about being an individual and start caring about what you can accomplish as a whole. I’m excited for what the next few years has for this program and although I may not be on the field next year I will always be a Cardinal.
    
To my family, thank you for the constant support you’ve given me. You have always been there and I know you will continue to be there. Mom, I may have grown up and moved out but I will always be your baby boy. You have encouraged me to pursue my passions and shown me how to be strong in my faith. Dad, from how to string a bow correctly to how to financially responsible you have taught me many things in life, but the biggest thing you have taught me is that there are many points of view to any one situation and although people will not always see eye-to-eye with you, you should always have an open mind and kind heart. Louise, and TJ, although we are in completely different places in the country I am happy we have stayed in contact with each other. I am happy to see you succeed in life and I am excited to see what happens next in your lives.
  
To the coaching staff, thank you. Coach Watkins, I want you to know how thankful I am you recruited me all those years ago in Las Vegas. I know this is a bitter-sweet moment in your life as well. You have done great things for this program and have changed the program around from what it once was. I hope the best for you in your new job. Coach Bowers, I know this is your first year with us but you have really inspired us. I am excited to see what you and the boys end up doing next year.   
    
To my teammates, cherish it. Four years seems like a long time, but they go quickly. I never truly understand that until this year. All those times coach stopped practice and told us to look around and enjoy the view of the sun set and the bluffs now makes sense. I encourage you to enjoy each other’s company and never ever take for granted that you are a college athlete. I am excited to see what you guys will do next year. I have an immense amount of faith in you. I see greatness in every single one of you guys and I know that you will go on to do great things, not only in soccer, but in life. Protect the Nest.
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