Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

It feels like yesterday that I transferred here from Luther. To think it has already been 3 years and 3 seasons blows my mind. I never thought the day that I would have to write this salute would come. But here it is.
    
Soccer has always been a huge part of my life. For as long as I can remember every spring, summer, and fall of every year has been consumed with soccer. In my almost 18 years of soccer I have played on dozens of teams and played with hundreds of players, but none of them more special than this team with this group of guys. When I transferred here from Luther after my freshman year I didn’t know how I would fit into the team. As soon as I got here all of my worries were washed away thanks to all the guys on the team accepting me so quickly. Transitioning from school to school is never easy but being on this team made it so much easier. The three seasons after my transfer would turn out to be some of the best of my life. The memories I have made will last a lifetime. One thing I will never be able to do is look back at my college soccer experience and say that I didn’t have fun. And for that, I am thankful.
    
I would first like to acknowledge my parents. You guys are the only reason any of this was possible. You guys selflessly dedicated so much time, effort, and money into my athletic career that a simple thank you really doesn’t suffice but, for now, it is all I have. You guys always supported me in every way possible. There are only a handful of games in my life that at least one of you wasn’t at. Most of them both of you were at. That level of support always meant more than anything. I love you both.
    
Along with my parents I would like to thank my grandparents and all of my extended family. You guys all came and supported me on dozens of occasions and it really did mean a lot.
    
I would next like to thank Pete, Corbin, Tadie, Rizzo, and Oscar. Thank you for all the effort you all put into coaching me. The lessons you taught me through soccer will stay with me for my entire life. It made it a lot easier to come to practice every day and work hard when you know your coaches are doing the same. Thank you for everything you have done for me in these last three years.
    
To the Athletic training staff, Coach Sagar, and the entire faculty of Saint Mary, thank you. The amount of work it takes to keep the team on the field is more than people might know and I am truly grateful for everything you guys have done!
    
To the seniors: There’s only 5 of us left and I am happy it was us. Thank you for always having my back and working just as hard for me as I was for you. You guys pushed me to be better on the field and made sure I had a good time off of it. When I transferred here from Luther you welcomed me in which made my transfer so much easier. You guys are like brothers to me. Blank thank you for being one of my best friends these past 3 years. Stay soft. Dinger, thanks for always being a fun guy to be around at games and practice. B’s and B’s! Vic, thanks for always being willing to joke around and trash talk. It always kept things fun and interesting.  Larson, Thank you for always being so passionate and pushing everyone on the team to do their best. Thank you for everything guys. I am glad I get to play my last minutes with you.
    
To the juniors: In a way I feel like I am a part of your class since I was new to Saint Mary’s the same year that you guys were. This turned out to be lucky for me because I got to get to know you guys that much more. You are a great group of soccer players and even better men. I am confident you guys will be able to accomplish something no other Saint Mary’s team has.
    
To the sophomores: There is now only three of you guys left but you are a talented group to say the least. You guys bring a lot of passion and work ethic to every game and practice while at the same time always being willing to joke around. I am happy I was lucky enough to call the three of you teammates.
    
To the freshmen: I am saddened that I was only able to spend one season with you guys because you are a great group of individuals. You all always brought a great attitude to the locker room and field which made you guys really easy to incorporate into the team when you arrived in August. You have a big and talented group. If you guys stay together and work hard as a group you will be able to accomplish a lot of great things in your four years at Saint Mary’s.
    
Thanks again to everyone for making my college soccer experience here at Saint Mary’s so special. These were some of the best years of my life and I would not change a thing. It’s going to feel weird not pulling on a Saint Mary’s jersey next fall. Good luck next year and keep this momentum moving forward. This year we knocked on the door, next year you break it down.

-Dresh