Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Well, here it is, my Senior Salute. Not going to lie, it’s going to be just like every other Senior Salute out there, except more special because I’m writing it! Only joking. It is going to be just as long as any other one, so I apologize in advance. I’ll try to keep it as short as possible, but it’s going to be hard.
    
While writing this I realized just how much God has blessed me. I was not only blessed with new opportunities here at Saint Mary’s, but I was also blessed to have the opportunity to meet amazing people. I can’t thank everyone in my life enough who have continuously supported me, believed in me, and encouraged me.  I have created so many memories with so many different people, memories that I won’t ever be able to forget. Having this opportunity to play basketball these last four years has been a dream come true. From a young age I dreamed of playing college basketball (and professional basketball but I’m still waiting to grow another six inches) and Saint Mary’s has given me that opportunity. All in all, I have been truly blessed, and I want to take a moment to thank those who have, not only impacted my basketball career, but also my entire life.
    
Mom & Dad. We all know that I would not be at Saint Mary’s if it weren’t for the both of you. You always pushed me to work hard, dream big, and fight through adversity. You push me to be the best version of myself, but at the same time are always proud of me, regardless of what I do. Thank you for always believing in me, even when I doubt myself.  Mom, you always know the right thing to say. I know that you always have my back and no matter what you’re doing, if I call for help, I know you’ll be there for me – even if it is just for directions to make cheesy potatoes. (: You are smart, beautiful, and kind and I hope someday to be half the mother you are. I know you aren’t the biggest fan of sports, but you’ve always been my biggest fan.  Dad, where to begin? When I think of basketball, I will always have a connection back to you. You coached me from 4th grade until sophomore year and taught me so many important things about basketball. Since you’re my “real coach”, you have endless advice on how I can improve, and although sometimes I take it grudgingly, just know that I have always appreciated it. I wouldn’t be half the basketball player, or person, without you’re amazing advice in my life. You are both my heroes in different  ways: mom, your selflessness is incredible. You do so many things for our family and you never ask anything in return. You always put us before yourself. Dad: Your outlook on life is one of a kind. Even though you work so much, always tired and needing a nap, you are always in a good mood and can talk anyone’s ear off.  I am thankful for the both of you every single day for all the things you have taught me and helped me with. I love you so much and couldn’t have asked for better parents.
    
Nick and Riley. Thanks for being the best older brothers a girl could have. Growing up with two older brothers is really the reason why I have a love for sports. You forced me to be competitive because otherwise, I don’t think I would have survived in our household. You both have taught me a lot about life and I am extremely grateful that I have the both of you.  I can’t thank you enough for being so excited about my games and my seasons. It’s awesome to know that you guys are rooting for me. Also, Shannon and Brook, thanks for coming to my games, supporting me, and really being sisters that I never had the chance to have. The four of you are amazing and I love you lots.  
    
The amount of support that I have received from my family is incredible. Every single one of you who has made it out to a game, I can’t tell you how much it means to me. I am truly blessed to have all of your support and love. You all know who you are and I love you all so much! I also have to give a special shout out to Sandy. You have been to almost every Saturday game in the past two seasons and that is just amazing. I know how busy you are and it means the world to me that you take that much time out of your schedule for me.
    
Will. I have to give you an extra shout-out, because without you I probably wouldn’t be writing a Senior Salute because you encouraged me to never give up. You constantly pushed me to be my best and give my all on the basketball court. Since I have met you, you have been an inspiration to me because of your dedication, work ethic, and love for the game. I can honestly say, that without you, I most likely would not have made it all four years and I know that I would not have been nearly as successful. I thank you for the constant reminder to enjoy every minute. Congratulations on scoring 1,000 points in college. That is an amazing milestone and with the amount of work you put into basketball, no one deserves it more than you. I am so happy that I got to experience basketball, college, and the last three years with you.
    
Swiggum Family. Thank you for staying for so many of my games throughout the season. It was great to see all of you in the stands, especially on the games my family couldn’t make. You do so much for Will and myself and I can’t thank you enough for that. I have loved getting to know all of you and you have all made me feel so welcomed. Thanks so much for everything.
    
Coach Pollari, Coach Crane, and Coach Kellen. I thank you for not only a successful year, but also a fun year. With so many changes to our program, I was not sure what this season would hold. With the help of the three of you it has turned out to be a great season. I thank you for all the work you have put into this team and into each individual.
    
Coach Pearson & Freddie. Thanks for everything. You gave me a chance to continue playing basketball and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. You never gave up on me and taught me new things about myself as basketball player and as a person. You are both incredible coaches and we all miss you a whole lot.
    
Coach Sagar. I have to give you so much credit. Before you came to Saint Mary’s I could never ever even dream of touching the basketball net (kind of sad I know). After your workouts, I am proud to say that I can easily touch the net (on a good day). I honestly think that is a testament to you and how fantastic  you are at your job. As a team we have gotten stronger and faster because of you. So thank you for all the hard work you put into our basketball team to get better.
    
To my team (past and present): Honestly looking back I try to think about what my favorite year of college basketball is and I really could not pick one. Every year I was blessed with amazing teammates, people that I wanted to be with and who I wanted to achieve great things with. To the ones that have already graduated, you were all incredible role models each in your own way. Whether it was your work ethic, humor, or humility each one of you taught me a valuable lesson. To my teammates this year, thanks for everything. I wouldn’t trade my senior year for anything. We showed everyone that Saint Mary’s Women’s basketball can overcome any challenge because we’re more than a team – we’re a family. I am blessed to have been a part of that family.
    
Seniors:
    
Micaela: You smell & we’re only sometimes friends, but I love you anyway. The day I met you freshmen year I knew you would always be a friend I could count on. It doesn’t matter if I was being annoying and you wanted to hit me, if I needed your help I know that you would help me. That’s a unique quality in a person and one I admire in you so much. You are a phenomenal basketball player, and I still don’t understand how you can run so fast. Just know, wherever life takes us you got a friend in me (cause who else is going to do crazy, stupid stuff with you?)
  
Bridget: You have a work ethic only comparable to Will (weird). It’s incredible the amount of time, effort, and sweat that you have put into this team. I can easily say that this team would not be half as successful without your hard work. You push everyone to be not only a better basketball player, but a better person. Being your roommate for three years was an adventure! We learned a lot about one another, in particular, I think you learned how much I hate mornings! It’s going to be weird living with someone else next year, but I am so excited and happy that we’ll both be one step closer to achieving our dreams. I love you Bridge.
    
Juniors:
    
Sam Balla Jones: Oh Sam Balla. Where to begin? You’re my big little friend who also owns a Walgreens. You always came in clutch when I needed a Q-tip, pony tail, or even shampoo. Basically I’d be a mess without you. I always knew that every Friday was going to be a great practice and you know why! (: You’re extremely special Sam. You never fail to brighten my day and I always know that you’ll have my back even when I take things a little too far. Oh, and did I mention that you’re one heck of a basketball player? It has been an honor to play with you these last three years.
    
Emma: No one deserves the name Magician like you do. I know you hate it, but it’s so fitting for you. I think one of my favorite memories of you was when you ran down the court pulling on your jersey calling for a sub then drained a three. You’re an amazing athlete, student but most importantly person. I think you truly deserve the award for “amazing at everything” because you are amazing at everything! Thanks for being you Magician.
    
Raelynn: You have been an amazing addition to this team this year. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate everything you have done for this team. Nothing can replace a teammate with such a great work ethic and amazing attitude and that’s you. Keep being you Rae because you are truly irreplaceable and I am extremely happy that you joined the squad this year!!
    
Aude: Oh, Aude. You are a friend who will always know how to put a smile on my face, even when I’m in the worst of moods. Costa Rica was a blast with you! You’re adventurous, spunky, and just a bit (a lot) sarcastic and I love that about you. You almost always laugh at my jokes which is rare because most people just stare at me, but you understand me and my humor. So I thank you for that. I know you’ll do great things Aude, so keep working hard and having fun.
    
Sophomore:
    
Alexa: I can truly say that you are hands down my favorite sophomore (: I’m going to miss your sparkly self next year (and I don’t mean your boots)! You have the bubbliest cutest personality in the world. If I could shoot half as good as you I’d be one happy lady. Keep draining them threes and beat Steph Curry every time!!! I’ll truly miss you next year. Thank goodness I had you to experience Gossip Girl with! I love you Lex!
    
Freshies:
    
Mary: Even though I hate you, we’re still friends. I truly mean that with all my heart. You are the goofiest, funniest, worst storytelling girl I have ever met. You have made my senior year so much more fun just by being you. I thank you for all the mems (see what I did there?).  My favorite though is “HALEY, HALEY.. I HAVE NO FRIENDS” HA! You were the only Cardinal buddy who never left me. So I guess that’s why I actually love you (:
    
Kirsten: CONGRATS ON FINALLY TURNING 11!!!!! You are one person I can always count on for a good laugh. You are always smiling and have such a bright, positive energy. You’re going to do amazing things at Saint Mary’s. Keep working hard, having a positive energy, and being your hilarious self. Next year come back stronger than ever and kick some major butt.
    
Brandi: Girl, you can jump out of the gym, and I am jealous!  Remember when you said you wouldn’t judge me when I tried jumping but you laughed at me anyway ): Well I remember… Anyway, you are a phenomenal player and I had so much fun playing with you this year. I still love the fact that rebounding is your favorite part of basketball! I think that is just awesome and shows how much of a team player you are.  Keep working hard in everything you do!
    
Mckenzie: Locker buddy. What are you going to do next year without me? JUST KIDDING! You’re going to be more than fine without me, in fact I know that you’re going to thrive and you’re going to be amazing at anything and everything you decide to put your mind to. Thanks for all the giggles and laughs at our lockers and on the court this year. You are truly one of a kind Kenz!
    
I thank all of you for what you contribute to making our team whole. Each one of you plays a vital part in making our team successful and making this year a lot of fun. My basketball experience would not be the same without all the amazing teammates I have had. I love all of you. BEST SQUAD IN THE MIAC.
    
Jami and Madi: Where do I begin? You guys were there with me all through high school and made it extremely fun (even on the most miserable of days). Part of my passion for basketball stems, through the two of you because we formed our friendships through it. It’s been great going through the last four years knowing that at the end of the day, I have two amazing people I can call my best friends. Your support has been amazing and I can’t thank you both enough for everything you have done for me. I love you little sisters!!
    
To Carly and Caroline. Thanks for the endless support. From listening to me complain about foul calls to watching our away games online, you have both been a great support system. I love seeing (but mainly hearing) you at my games. Carly, what would I do without  you yelling at the refs? You always have my back when they make terrible calls. You have been an awesome roommate, and I think you have best sense of humor in the world! I can’t thank you enough for all the amazing meals you have cooked us.  Oh, and Carly…you are a very classy lady and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Caroline, I love hearing you cheer for me whether it’s “Yes Haley way to dive for that ball” or “THAT’S MY ROOMATE”, it always puts a smile on my face. Plus you always take great snaps! You have been an incredible roommate. You are always filling our apartment with your infectious laugh and your amazing sense of style. It’s an honor to live with Lauren Conrad. I love you both to the moon and back!
    
Maria, Paula, Megan, and Nicole. You guys are the best! Thank you for coming to support me throughout all these years, I appreciate it so much. I love you all a lot and thanks for being the best of friends! I have had so many great laughs with all of you. I know you all have my back and I’m blessed to have met you.
    
Saint Mary’s Faculty and Staff. I still find your support and encouragement unbelievable.  Thank you to those (you know who you are) who constantly wished me luck, congratulated me, and followed our team. My gratitude is endless. I think one of my favorite memories in my basketball career was when we had our MIAC Tournament game over Spring Break. We were expecting to have zero fans since all of the students went home. To our surprise, our stands were packed. It was awesome  to know that we had that kind of support from all of you.
    
I want to give a special thanks to all the Saint Mary’s students who came out to support our team. Whether it was once, multiple times, or every single game it was greatly appreciated. It’s nice to look up in the stands and know that we have so many friends supporting us and cheering us on. I’ve been blessed to play in the best gym in the MIAC because of our amazing fans.
    
Well this was a lot longer than I was hoping. But I truly can’t tell everyone thank you enough. I am nothing without the wonderful people in my life. These last four years have been a ride and it’s one that I really don’t want to get off. I’ve been so blessed with adventures, opportunities, and people. Thank you to everyone who has made my four years so amazing.