Jason Grinnell Senior / Defender St. Joseph, MI From the Coach	Well, the time has come. It’s hard to imagine that I’ll be putting on my jersey for the last time here at SMU. It’s tough to believe that four years have already passed and my career here is coming to an end. After playing soccer for nearly 16 years with many different players, I can honestly say that I will never forget the group I have played with here at SMU. I don’t think I’ll soon forget the experiences on the field, both the excitement after a win and the anguish after a loss. I can’t even describe how quickly the last four years have gone by, and yet so much has happened. Everything from the late nights playing in the Rac, the weightlifting sessions, the bus rides, and celebrations. First and foremost I would like to thank my family, without them I couldn’t be who or where I am today. Mom, thanks for always caring and being there for me. I can’t even begin to explain where I would be without you. I don’t know anyone who spent the amount of time you have hauling us around from place to place, cleaning our clothes, cooking dinner, and being our No. 1 fan. The continued support and constant sacrifices that you have made cannot be equaled by anyone. I know the trips to Winona are long, but you have always managed to make it. Grandma and Grandpa Neilsen, it has been unfortunate that the distance between school and home has made it tough for you to be able to see many of our games. The times you have been able to make it have been memorable to say the least. You both have had an enormous impact on my life ever since I can remember. You have always been there to support me throughout my soccer career — rain or snow, you were still there in the stands. You are by far the most giving and caring people I have ever met in my life, and you have always put everyone else’s needs before your own. Words cannot begin to explain how much you both mean to me, and how much I admire you both. If not for you I would not be here at SMU. I would also like to thank my brothers, Brayton and Nathan. Nate, it’s been tough living eight hours away from you and only seeing you over breaks and during the summer, but I will never forget the times we have been able to spend together. Brayton, you have not only been my teammate and roommate for the past four years, you have been my best friend. Thanks for always being there for me. To Jamie and the rest of the Death family, thanks for always supporting me in everything that I do. Jamie, thanks for being the best girl in the world, always there for me during the good times and bad, and always putting a smile on my face and sticking by my side. Thanks for always picking me up when I was down and being there when I needed someone to talk to. I don’t know what I would do without you, thanks for everything. To past and present coaches, thank you for all you have done for me, not only as a player, but also as a person. I am proud to say that I have played for you and SMU. Luzzi, thanks for always being the guy you are, I will never forget hanging out in your office, your motivating speeches, and our endless debates. Even if you give no credit to the defense, thanks for always motivating me to do the little things that make me a better player, and thank you for helping me find the person I am on and off the field. Benny, thanks for always being there with little hints and thanks for all the hard work you have done, this program would not be the same without you. Lastly, I would like to thank the coaching staff for their dedication to soccer and for the hours that they have spent outside of practice watching film, coaching individual workouts, and recruiting – things that have been and will continue to be crucial to the success of our program. Special thanks to all the SMU fans that come out to support us; in particular, Todd and TJ for sporting the sports bras. Thanks to Kevin and the rest of the athletic training crew for fixing us when we were battered and bruised. Last, but not least, thanks to Donny for all the hard work and time you have put into each SMU write-up. To my teammates, both past and present. It has been an honor to play with each and every one of you. To my past teammates, you have instilled many values in me and have taught me that SMU soccer is all about heart, determination, dedication and teamwork. We may not have won every game, but we sure as hell had a good time doing it. Joey, thanks for being a great leader and friend. Pecker, thanks for all the hard work you put into SMU soccer, not to mention all the memories. Browner, what can I say? Earthquakes and tough but fair is the only thing that comes to my mind. Kroll, it was great playing with you, and it’s been great to see you on the sidelines this year. I’ll never forget the Old Village and downtown gatherings, Panama City Beach, and all the other priceless memories. Divinity, I’ll never forget the passion you brought to the game and the bicycle kick which cost you two days of practice. Clemans, it was great playing with you in the back and thanks for making all the long trips to see us play. To my present teammates, I hope that I have taught you as much as I have learned from my past teammates. Bobby, I don’t know what I would do without you in goal, keep making those big-time saves. Tiggles and Vk, thanks for the great time in Panama City. Tiggles, you are one of the best defenders I have played with, now it’s your turn to run the defense. Vik, I still can’t figure out how you come away with the ball all the time, must be the crazy arm swing or the hair. Kunick, I hope that’s the way you spell your name because I just found out I have been pronouncing your name wrong for two years. Campbell, I’ll never forget the trip to England and the talks that ensued. Jimmy, it’s been great having you as a teammate and roommate, let the good times keep on coming. Bobo, you are one of the best forwards I have ever played with. Thanks for all the good times in the Old Village and the hole in the wall. Mad-Dog, I’ve never seen someone with such a great work ethic and such great talent. Remember that bet we made earlier in the season? In case you forgot, your at 3. Kozar, keep up the great work in the midfield. Panama City was unbaleeg, all I need to say is Tony Regala, hey bro! Keep practicing up on Halo, maybe someday you guys will be able to beat me. Good luck to each and every one of you as you continue your journey here at SMU. Lastly, I want to thank my senior teammates, some of my best friends in the world. Lardner and Johnny, from Yon’s to Gilmore to the Old, it has been a blast. I will never forget you guys and the times we had here at SMU. Josh, your hard work and dedication has been amazing. I’ll never forget our endless debates in the cafe about Minnesota sports teams; in case you forgot, “Go Bears and Go Cubbies!” MJ, your halftime speeches and immense enthusiasm will never be forgotten. Your huge smile and passion for the game inspired me on and off the field. Jake, it was great playing with you in the back this year. I don’t always know how, but you always seem to find a way to make the other guy miss. I’ll never forget the free pancakes in Panama City that brought us that unique spiritual experience. Though your performance was not always top notch, your effort and determination always motivated me; because of that you were the best century club member ever. I’m proud to say that the all-time number of megs in 5-v-2 is mine, nice try sucka. Thanks for all the good times. Lackey, you are an amazing soccer player, roommate, and friend. The midfield wouldn’t be the same without you. The times on and off the field have been amazing, and I look forward to the times ahead. B, I’ve played with you all my life, and I have still yet to see anyone who slide tackles as well as you. Your head butt to that Bethel kid was amazing, your 21st birthday was … ridiculous, but hey you made it back all by yourself. Just remember, your worst day fishing is still better than my best day at work. To finish, I would like to thank everyone so much for all the great memories. They will never be forgotten and I will treasure the friendships I have made forever.