Where do I even begin? From the moment I picked up my first stick, I instantly fell in love with you. As I sit here today and reflect on the last four years I have spent as a Panther, a recurring thought comes to mind; I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. You have provided me with some of the greatest experiences of my life while also handing me some of my toughest moments. My highest highs and lowest lows have you in common, but throughout the roller coaster we call life, you have been a constant. You provided me with an escape when I needed it the most. You took a little girl from Huntington, New York and taught her how to follow her heart in all that she does. You opened my eyes and dared me to dream big.
You put a fire in me that could never be put out. From pushing me to wake for 6:00 AM practices, to allowing me to travel to beautiful places all across the country, you showed me just how far true dedication and sacrifice could take me. Thank you for motivating me to be the best version of myself on and off of the field. Thanks to you, I learned what it means to have drive and passion for something that I truly love.
You introduced me to not only the best coaches and teammates a player could ask for, but some of the most incredible people along this journey. A family full of strong and resilient women who inspire me on a daily basis and foster an environment for growth. Thanks to you, I learned how to compete on a team and be a part of something that was greater than myself. You challenged me to fight back against adversity and to do so confidently, knowing that I had 28 teammates beside me fearlessly fighting for our common cause.
Thank you for guiding me toward each and every opportunity that came my way while encouraging me to approach them with a positive mindset; one without fear. You allowed me to live out my dream of being an Adelphi lacrosse player and competing at the highest level in Division II athletics. You allowed me to hold a trophy in front of hundreds of people with tears of joy rolling down my face. I will cherish memories like these for the rest of my life.
The platform you have given me with the hopes of sparking change is one that I do not take lightly. My hope is that the fire I have played with burns so bright that it lights a fire in someone else and inspires them to make a difference. Ultimately, I owe that to you after all that you have done for me. So here’s to you, lacrosse. Thank you for molding me into the woman I am today. Thank you for turning my childhood dream into a reality. I am forever indebted to you for the joy and sense of fulfillment you have brought into my life for the past 15 years. You have allowed me to fill this chapter of my story with life-long lessons and everlasting memories that I will fondly remember as the best years of my life. Although you weren’t always easy, I can say with confidence that you were most definitely worth it. So thank you lacrosse, for everything. I am truly in awe of the life that you have built for me and I am eternally grateful.