I fell in love with you over the countless hours on the ice- in the moments of pure joy after a goal or a special moment with a teammate. The feeling of the ice under feet seems to kick open the door to many feelings, taking me right back to the first time I stepped foot in LaBahn Arena in Madison, WI.
I remember it so vividly, the sounds, the colors, the excitement was tangible. I spent four years on that ice learning and growing into the person I am today. I was forced to become better every time I touched that ice- reliving moments of glory and heartbreak. Thank you for giving me an unforgettable four years at the most amazing university, with the best teammates and coaches imaginable.
Thank you for instilling the confidence and excitement to grow into a role model for the next generation. Thank you for taking me to amazing places like Sweden and Finland, like the 2019 NCAA National Championship, like three IIHF Women’s World Championships. You have been a defining part of my life, of my whole family’s life, bringing us closer over the love of the game. How lucky am I to have fallen in love with this sport at 5, only to find out that it was the best decision I have ever made?
There have been so many amazing moments, but our relationship is not over yet. There is one more stage left to conquer: 2022 Olympic Games.
Thank you for the past memories and the memories yet to come.