My career was not what I envisioned as a rosy-eyed, ambitious six year-old Husker fan. It was so much more.
From my first day as a volleyball player to my last, you empowered me to learn, to grow, and to challenge myself and others. Starting during those first years in YMCA league, you taught me to hold myself to the highest standard, not only for myself, but for those around me. You taught me that progress will only happen outside my comfort zone, and that effort is the biggest determinant of success.
In school, work and beyond, the competitiveness and high standard that I set for myself in volleyball translated into drive, ambition, and confidence that I would not have developed otherwise. Pushing myself to be my best on the court created a threshold of effort and intensity that I continue to set for myself in all other areas of my life.
These lessons did not come from you, per say, but from the people that you brought into my life, and it is that I am most thankful to you for. My coaches and teammates asked for a lot from me, but they gave me so much more.
They showed me how to work through struggle, stress and discomfort. They demanded that I give them more and work harder than I knew I could. Through that, I realized that I am capable of more than I could possibly imagine. This process was not always comfortable or pleasant, and I did not always take part in it willingly or gracefully. But it is those tough, ugly moments that I am most grateful for because they changed me the most.
Most importantly, you brought me to a place that would change my life forever. Wingate University Volleyball was the most incredible thing I have ever been a part of. It was at Wingate that I learned (through much trial and error) what it really means to be a teammate. My coaches, teammates, and community at Wingate made me better in every way possible. They surrounded me with love and support, while demanding that I be my best for them. The empowered and powerful women I was surrounded with at Wingate will forever inspire me. They made me a better player, teammate, student and friend.
I could not be more thankful to you for the opportunities you have brought into my life. You opened doors to me that I could not have dreamed of as a little girl trying to figure out how to pass, set and hit. The incredible path that my life is on now is because of you. I will never forget that.