To say that my volleyball career would never end is a bit naïve; however, I did not think this day would come this fast. I am incredibly grateful for the lessons, experiences and people this sport brought to my life.
To my parents, thank you for giving me the opportunity to play this sport competitively for 10 years now. Thank you for the numerous rides to and from practices/games, for the equipment/gear I needed to excel (sorry about the dents in the garage door from serving, which are now masked by baseball dents), and most importantly for the endless amount of support and encouragement throughout my career. Mom, thank you for connecting me to the sport I love. Thank you for being the listening ear my entire career, and for the positive encouragement, which often followed. Dad, thank you for teaching me to strive for greatness and never settle for anything less than perfect. I thank you both for all the sacrifices you’ve made to get me to where I am today.
To my siblings, thank you for the support throughout my entire career. Thank you for traveling 5+ hours in a very cramped car to see me play in person for one last time. Royce, thank you for letting me be the “annoying little sister” who would always want to play in the “middle” during your practices (I mean really you had no choice because mom was the coach). Tyler, thank you for the encouraging after-game texts and for being a great listener. Ethan, thank you for the copious amounts of laughter you bring into my life. Dane, your skill at baseball is second to none, keep up the hard work, and never settle. I’m so proud of you. Ava thank you for the numerous notes, crafts, drawings, and voicemails to show all your support for me. I am elated that you’ve decided to start playing volleyball and I cannot wait to see where this sport takes you!
Throughout my entire career I’ve been extremely lucky to have some great coaches. First, I would like to thank Coach Lester for giving me the opportunity to play volleyball at a collegiate level. Thank you for seeing my potential and believing in me, that I would reach it. Thank you for the support on and off the court. Your knowledge of the game is incredible and I’m excited to see where SMU Volleyball continues to go.
Jackie- JaQUEE ? your “babies” are all grown up now! Thank you for everything you’ve done for this program these last four years. You’ve made these last four years extremely fun and full of great experiences. Thank you for pushing me to become a better player and leader for this team.
Rhode- Thank you for all the support these last four years. I will miss our many discussions about the headliners for Lollapalooza. SMU volleyball would not be the same without your one-liners. Even though you were unable to travel with us know that it never hindered your support for us.
Coach Sagar- Thank you for all that you’ve done for the athletic department here at SMU. You’ve impacted our program immensely and I can’t wait to see what you bring to it in the next few years. I will never forget the feelings associated with finishing all of our quarters with zero misses. I have become a better athlete because of you and I can’t thank you enough for the amount of time and dedication you’ve given not only to SMU volleyball but also to all the athletic programs here.
I would also like to thank Sheila Chambers for teaching me the most important lesson I’ve learned thus far, discipline. I will never forget the countless times we had to stop a drill when I would drive with my right hand in the left back. You taught me to play cool, calm, and collectively, and how to be a leader in the back row. Lastly, you taught me that even when I thought I gave it my all, I could give better. You were one of the most challenging coaches I’ve ever had, I can’t thank you enough for seeing my potential and molding me into the player I am today.
Not only have I been blessed with great coaches, I’ve been blessed with great trainers too. Bill, thank you for taking care of my on-going back pain and for all that you’ve done in the two years that you were here. Jill, thank you for being my second mother. I do not know how I would survive the season without you. You’re support is limitless, whether it was for physical pain or when I simply needed a hug; you were always there for me. I can’t thank you enough for the early mornings, long nights, and all the other times in between you’ve put into our two seasons together.
To my roomies, Kendra- I’m so happy that we’ve become good friends these past two years. Your support for me has been great. Whether it was coming to every home game we had, or bringing me snacks to the science building way past your bedtime just so I can get my studying done you’ve always been there for me. Thank you for that.
Jordyn- You are one of the most kind-hearted and giving persons I’ve ever met. I’m so happy to have a friend like you in my life. I will never forget our late nights studying guessing who will turn into the “Queen of the Lizards” first, binge watching Netflix, or dragging me out of my studies to watch sunsets/enjoy the nice days. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
To my past teammates, thank you for taking me under your wings with open arms and showing me the ropes. Lexi- Thank you for reassuring me that I deserved to be out on the court at all times, and having confidence in me when I did not. Bunne- Thank you for all the laughs and jokes. Mary- you were a great asset to our team and I’m glad I got to play defense behind your block. Molly- you are a great human being! You made me feel so comfortable and welcomed on to the team. Janae- thank you for answering every possible science question I could think of. Your support for the team was incredible. Jenna- I am so lucky to have played with a teammate like you. Your knowledge of the game is second to none, and I miss your sass greatly. Lex-Thank you for letting me share the back row with you for 3 years. I couldn’t imagine SMU vball without your feisty attitude, and skill. Alex- you are an extremely talented player and great friend. I’m so happy we’ve stayed in touch and will continue to stay in touch as the years go by. Kenz- you had great work ethic and you were extremely positive/encouraging. TayTay- you kept me sane in times of need, and everyone on the team heard your encouragement. Macki-I am truly blessed to have played with an athlete like yourself. Your work ethic was impeccable and something great to look up to. However, I never quite got you to use the “accessories” on defense. Jordan- you are one of the funniest girls I’ve ever met. Some of the saves you’d get on defense were incredible. It was awesome to share the back row with you these last few years.
To my fellow seniors, Maddie- I can’t express how grateful I am to have you as my best friend, roommate, and person. I cannot imagine the last few years without your support. Your work ethic is incredible and you truly someone to look up to. Thank you for pushing me to become a better teammate, student, and person. No matter what the future holds for both of us, I know that I will always have you by my side. Molly- the past 4 years with you have been great. I have played with very few teammates that I was slightly afraid to play defense against and you are one of them. You are a great teammate and push yourself immensely. You’ve grown into a great leader and someone to look to on this team. I’m so glad you came out of your shell after freshmen year because you have a great sense of humor. You have set examples on and off the court for everyone to follow.
To the juniors, Sara- SURA gosh I am going to miss your goofiness. You are a very talented athlete. It’s been fun to watch you grow into the player you are today. You have done great things for this team and will continue to next year. Britt- you have great hands and your defense is the best setter defense I’ve played with. Even though you may be one of the quieter ones of the court, you always have great insights. You’ve set great examples of work ethic and composure for the underclassmen. Tara- I’m so happy you decided to try out for us! Its awesome to see you doing something you love again. I’m excited to see what you continue to bring to smuvb next year. Keep your head up and keep working hard!! Clare- I am so grateful to have you in my life on and off the court. You’ve grown SO much over the last 3 years and I’m so happy to see you excel! I know I can count on you on the court; I’m excited to see what next year brings for you. Keep up the hard work and take charge of the back row!
To the sophomores, Brandi- Brandis ? I’m glad we’ve gotten closer this last season. You are an incredibly talented athlete. You are, and will continue to do great things for us. You have developed so much from last year to this year. Keep up the hard work! Glo- Gluh you are an amazing person. You bring so much personality to this team. I love watching you excel because you’ve worked so hard these past two years. B- you bring a smile to my face every single day. You have improved SO much this past season and I’m excited to watch you kill it next year! Leah- you are the sassiest person on this team, regardless of what anyone else says! I love you one-liners. I am glad we’ve become closer this last year and share a class with each other. You are a strong middle and work very hard. Keep it up!
To the freshmen, enjoy these next few years. They truly fly by! Lil- you have beautiful hands! You will bring great things to this program. Lexi-it has been extremely fun to play with you this year. I think my assist count has increased immensely because of you! I’ve enjoying getting to know you. Bailey- you are one of the goofiest girls on this team. I’m glad you’ve come out of your shell. Hayley- it has been such a joy to be on a team with you! Your goofiness lightens practice and keeps everyone smiling. You are a great passer and you shots are amazing on the outside. Hailey- I’m glad we’ve been able to share the back row this year. You have so much potential and I’m excited to see you develop. Laura- Mini me! I’m so happy to have gotten to know you this last year. You are an amazing person on and off the court. You positivity and encouragement are an essential part of this team. Gabby- Thank you for everything you’ve done for us this season. I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes. I’m so happy you decided to become our team manager! To all of you, keep working hard! Great things will come for you guys and I can’t wait to see ALL of you develop!
Cardinal volleyball has brought so many great people and experiences into my life. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have been apart of a community like SMU. This community has shaped me into the person I am today. Thank you for all the great memories.
