You taught me the power of hard work, how skill can give you a head start, but determination and grit are what come through in the end. I learned to leave everything on the field, to make sure that no drop of energy went unused. You showed me how to function as part of a bigger whole and work as a team towards a common goal, even if that meant setting my own interests aside. I saw the strength in a team that was fully in sync and learned how to support those around me so that we could all play at our best. Most of all, you taught me to believe in myself. I overcame a fear of failure that made me shy away from the ball, learning instead to persevere after missteps and have faith in my ability to succeed.

Beyond shaping who I am as a person today, you gave me some of my fondest memories and strongest friendships. I still remember the rush of joy I felt when we won our conference championship for the first time, the shouts of excitement from my teammates swelling around me. I will cherish the memories of long bus rides home after hard fought games, that feeling of being physically exhausted yet buzzing with excitement after a win. Along with those memories are the people you’ve introduced me to along the way. While we met on the field, we grew even closer off the field. The same people I’ve played with over the last four years are the ones I still turn to today for support, guidance, or just a laugh after a long day. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and form unforgettable memories along the way.

While my time playing at a collegiate level is over, I know this is not a goodbye. Just as I have grown up with you, I hope to grow old with you. I look forward to many more years together building friendships and memories. I hope to see you again soon.