“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Lao Tzu
What a wonderful journey playing volleyball has been. I am not sure of the exact age at which I was initially exposed to volleyball but I must have been about three years old as my oldest sister, Emily, would have been old enough to play club volleyball. Some of my earliest memories come from days spent in the National Volleyball Center watching my sisters play until it was finally my turn to step onto the court. My first game is as clear as yesterday; however, had my sixth grade self taken a look into what today holds, I would have thought I was looking at someone else’s journey instead of my own.
Throughout the last 11 years, I have developed an undying passion for volleyball. There is no denying the immeasurable impact of the first seven years of volleyball, some of my favorite memories are rooted there; however, I want to focus on the last four years of my volleyball career at Saint Mary’s. My time as a Cardinal Volleyball player has laid a sturdy foundation that I can gratefully say is prepared to support an ever-growing skyscraper called “The Future.” It is with my deepest sincerity that I extend gratitude to each of the individuals who have helped build such a firm base.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents, Ted and Beth: There will never be a way to express how much your time in the bleachers, on the road, or waiting for me at practice has meant. I was able to be committed to volleyball because you were both committed as well, and you were both willing to do whatever it took to help me be as involved and dedicated as possible. As fun as volleyball has been as a whole, my favorite part has been being the daughter of two proud, supportive, and unconditionally loving parents. Nothing means more to me than seeing you both smiling at me from the bleachers on GameDay, whether it’s in our home gym or across the country. That’s not to mention tuning into the game station from halfway across the world, sacrificing precious sleep on a business trip, so you may be right there with me. Mom and Dad—I love you both so much, thank you for everything.
Secondly, I would like to thank my sisters, Em and Clair: I have always followed your footsteps so it is safe to say I wouldn’t have stepped foot onto the court if you two hadn’t done it first. When you both stepped off of the court and into the next chapters of your busy lives, you still made time to come back and cheer me on. I have always felt your love and support as I continued onto the next phase in my career; I definitely couldn’t have made it to where I am today without you both there every step of the way. Em and Clair—I miss and love you both, thank you for being better than the best big sisters a girl could ever imagine.
To the rest of my family—aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents: Thank you for traveling across the country to surprise me at a tournament, watching and/or listening to a game online, finding time in your busy lives to catch a game, and always showing your interest in and support for one of my greatest passions. I love you all, thank you for all of your support. PaPou and Mara—you can’t read these words but I want you both to know my memories of you both in the bleachers with your beaming smiles are vivid; I miss and love you both tremendously.
To the Esposito family: Thank you for participating in my collegiate career with me. Each and every one of you has welcomed me into your family and supported me as such. Sharing such an important piece of not only my life, but also who I am, with you means more than words can describe. As hard as it is to reach this point in my career, it’s exciting to have each of you by my side for the end. A special thank you goes out to Nick, you’ve helped make this experience even better and I cannot thank you enough for your constant support. I love you all, thank you.
Jord and Kendra: Thank you both for dealing with my crazy schedule and being some of the loudest and proudest fans in the crowd! I truly appreciate how excited you both get for GameDay, and even more so about how much fun we’re having on the court. I am so grateful to have grown so close to both of you, I couldn’t have picked better friends. I love you both. A special shout out goes to the rest of the Fam for their amazing support and love, you know who you are ?
To all of my junior high and high school coaches and teammates: thank you all for teaching me what it means to be a team player, the most important kind of player there is. Thank you also for investing your time and energy in me, I would not be the player I am and I would not have enjoyed volleyball as much as I have if it weren’t for each of you. A special thank you goes out to Coach Daley, Coach Gerth, and Coach Stokke—in your own ways, you have each had lasting effects on me both on and off the court. I am forever grateful for your continued support and kindly honoring me in the most meaningful of ways.
To Coach Corey Phelps: Whether or not you realize it, over the last five years you’ve taught me more about the game of volleyball than I can list. Thank you for having a confidence in me that I didn’t have in myself. Thank you for encouraging me to be a better player. Also, thank you for teaching me valuable life lessons.
To the rest of the Saint Mary’s community—fans, event crew, the athletic department: Thank you for all of your support, I know there is far more going on to help support this wonderful program than I have ever noticed. I have no doubt in my mind this experience wouldn’t have been as special without your hard work, dedication, and selflessness.
Coach: Thank you for seeing something in me that I didn’t see in myself, if it weren’t for you I would have never considered playing college volleyball. When it came time to decide on a school Saint Mary’s felt exactly like home, and home it has been. I am so grateful to have spent these last four years apart of this program; it has been the most memorable time in my career as well as a challenging, yet rewarding, preparation for my next steps in life. Thank you for developing me not only a better player, but also a better person.
Jackie: I have truly enjoyed getting to learn so much about volleyball and life from someone as passionate and energetic as you. I’ll certainly miss all of our good pepper sessions, short-court games, and your pre-game dancing next year. Thank you for always believing in me, even when I forgot to believe in myself.
Rohde: Thank you for always giving nothing but your utmost support and encouragement in summer camps as a high school student and throughout my entire collegiate career. The Cardinal Volleyball program is incredibly lucky to have your knowledge, patience, and positivity. Thank you for always knowing exactly what to say and how to say it.
Jill: Thank you for your mental, physical, and emotional support and healing. There is absolutely no way I would have made it through the pre-season grind or mid-season pains without you. No matter what kind of day I have, I know I can always count on you to have a smile, hug, and a treat.
Bill, Ben, Nick, Eric, and Emily: Thank you all for dedicating long hours of hard work to keeping us all healthy. You’re among the most selfless people I know and I’m grateful to have had such great care from each of you throughout my time here.
Coach Sagar: I owe you a huge thank you, bigger than I can even say. First off, thank you for deciding to come to Saint Mary’s. We, as an entire athletic program, are so fortunate to have you fully behind us. There is no doubt in my mind that you are one of the greatest aspects to our success. Second, thank you for making me better. Aside from pushing me to become better than I was yesterday while the sun is still sleeping, you’ve truly embodied what it means to be dedicated. You have invested more time in this program than I am sure I realize, and you always seem to enjoy every minute. There’s only one of you, and I’m both honored and proud to say you are my coach. Thank you for being a trainer, coaching me to crush quarters, and reminding us of our nutritional needs…”GO EAT!”
Donny: Thank you for always bringing so much excitement to Cardinal athletics. There really should be more of you; it has always amazed me how much you do for not only our team, but also our entire athletic program. Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.
Lexi and Bunne: Thank you both for showing me the ropes my first year on campus and being the funniest duo on the team. You both set the tone for hard work and what it really means to be a teammate. There’s no denying so much of who our team is today is a direct reflection of what you taught us. I appreciate the memories and hope you’re both doing well.
Janae, Mary, and Molly: I would like to thank all of you for being the calming balance. You were all consistently positive and supportive, practice or game, winning or losing. I learned something unique from each of you and hope you’re all doing well.
Al, Eminy, Tay, Macki, Jordo, and Jenna: It hasn’t been the same without your personalities but I will always treasure our memories, no moment was ever dull around you guys. You all hold a significant role in my experience at SMU, both on and off the court. Thank you for being the hardest working and most supportive teammates. I hope to see you all soon!
Moe: Thank you for being more than a teammate, my best friend. I have enjoyed laughing on and off the court with you, at truly funny things and things we just think are funny. I’m grateful to have someone who understands my humor, or lack thereof, and I’m so glad volleyball brought us together. It’s amazing to have this experience, let alone with your best friend right beside you. I’m looking forward to being the two old ladies on the plates in our pod someday, haha.
Murbs: I have to start this off by letting you know I’m giggling to myself just imaging all I want to write. You have an incredible talent for always dropping the most creative and entertaining lines. You’re an absolutely joyous person to be around Murbs, I have loved every minute of being your teammate and I’m excited to continue sharing our mutual love for Cossetta’s miraculous spinach dressing.
Britt: The award for most beautiful hands goes to you, no doubt. You always work extremely hard and I have truly enjoyed being your teammate for the last three years. Most importantly, I love how you and I always seem to be thinking the same thing. I am really going to miss sharing the court with you but I know I’ll still be seeing you lots. Thank you!
Sar: I am so grateful to know someone like you Sar, you’re one in a million. Try not to be too hard on yourself, you’re a phenomenal player and even better person. You’ve accomplished a lot in college but it’s nothing in comparison to what you have yet to accomplish. Thank you for always being your upbeat, silly self; I love how my core always feels like it’s gotten a workout after hanging out with you. Maybe that’s your secret to being SPS?!
Tar: Tah-rah! You are the definition of a teammate everyone wants to have on their team; no matter what, you always have a bunch on compliments to dish out and even more excitement. I am so glad you decided to join our team last spring. I have enjoyed sharing the accomplishments of spring season and morning workouts with you, and now my senior season, too. Even more, I’m grateful to have a friend like you.
Clare: Your faith and uniqueness have always inspired me. You know exactly who you are and you don’t stray from it, not many people have the confidence to do that. I absolutely love your humor, Clur. Sometimes I catch myself sounding like you on occasion and I cheer a little inside because you always know how to make people smile. My time on the team wouldn’t have been the same without you and let’s just say I’m so grateful for how small this world really is!
Brandi: From Bball to Brandis, and whatever your nickname will be next year, I have enjoyed spending even just two short years on a team with you. Your “farm girl strength” is definitely not to be reckoned with, I’m so glad I’m not on the other side of the net. Off the court, I’m so thankful to be able to crack jokes in anatomy with you and laugh at the timing of everything.
B: You are the cheeriest person I have ever spent my mornings with and I want to thank you for instantly making my day. Your bubbly personality is the kind people thrive on, even if you don’t realize it. Two years is not enough time to be a teammate with someone as wonderful as you, B. I have no doubt you’ll have a huge impact on several children’s lives as a teacher.
Glo: You make me smile. Your sass is tasteful and truly entertaining to witness, even when it is directed at me. I am so incredibly grateful to have spent two years as your teammate and I appreciate all of your support, on and off the court. Also, I hope Chipotle comes to Winona before you graduate, I know how happy that would make you.
Leah: One of my first memories of you is the frog jump in practice, of which I proudly hold a vivid replay in my mind. You always know how to brighten a room and chip in lots of one-liners. I wish I would have been able to be your teammate for four years instead of two, but that would probably be deadly considering how good your mom’s treats are!
Lil: I’m so glad I got to play the same position as you, even for just a little bit. Thank you for always making me smile Lil, and for always feeling like you can turn to me if you have a question, it really means a lot to me. I can’t express how excited I am for your time as a Cardinal, I have no doubt you’ll lead the team deep into post-season play. You’ve handled such a big transition with complete poise, not many people could do that and it speaks volumes about your character.
Weebs: Thank you so much for your spunk, Weebs. I can’t tell you how much fun it has been to hear your stories and watch you channel your inner Simone Biles, I think you’ve got a future in gymnastics (after graduation, of course!). You have brought so much personality to this team and I am so grateful for that, you have been a major contribution in making my last season one of the best. I can’t wait to watch you play in the future, especially with the tricky shots you have!
Laura: “That would be a lot to vacuum!” will be one of the first things I hear when I think of Pennsylvania. I’ll also remind you of your “old” age when you’re 21, since I’m “old” and all, haha. Thank you for always having a smile on your face and nothing but the kindest things to say. I have to say you are one of the sweetest people I have met and I am so grateful for getting to know you in one short season.
Lexi: You have done such a wonderful job this year coming in and filling one of the spots we needed most. You worked so hard to earn your position and you’ve truly held your own on the right! I am so amazed with how naturally you fell into your position and I couldn’t be happier for you. Also, you have incredible defensive skills! Wow!
Bails: If someone asked me to list the first thing that comes to mind when I think of you, it would be that you “can’t function without a hat.” You have so much sass and it is always enjoyable to be around because chances are pretty good that we’re laughing. I have to say you’ve got a mean hit, people better watch out. Awesome job this year Bail, you’ve really proven a lot to everyone and hopefully yourself!
Hailey: How crazy is it that we’re teammates again? It’s hard to believe how fast four years goes but it’s been great to share two senior seasons of volleyball with you. You’re always laughing and are the kind of person a team needs. You’re also a very dependable player, another crucial aspect to a team’s success. I’m looking forward to coming back and cheering you on, please just don’t serve the ball at the back of my head again, haha.
Gabby: No amount of thank you’s will be enough to adequately thank you for all of your hard work this season. You have shagged an insane amount of volleyball’s, you always help the drills run so much smoother, and you’re our savior for always being prepared with anything and everything we could possibly forget. Even beyond your help, I can’t thank you enough for your constant positivity. You’ve made heading up to the gym each day that much better.
Kenz and Brooke: You were my teammates for a short amount of time but I would like to thank you both for everything you did for me during that time. You were both great teammates to me and it was a blast to represent the Three-Rivers Conference with you (Jordo and Al, too!). I hope you’re both doing well!
