Krista Conway Sr. • 2B	When I look back at the last four years, I really can’t believe this is it. It’s true what they say, “time flies when you’re having fun.” If I were to weigh the ups and downs of my college experience, especially as a student-athlete, I would say that the good has definitely out-weighed the bad. My college experience would have been something entirely different had I not been a ball player. It was through athletics that I have learned some of the most valuable lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have learned what it means to be part of a TEAM, to work together – to achieve great things. Most importantly, I have learned that some of the most different and unique personalities can come together for one purpose and leave as the best of friends … who would have thought?! I have learned so many things about myself that I cannot even begin to describe, but I will say one thing and that is that I wouldn’t trade a single moment of these last four years for anything. I want to say thank you to everyone who has been a positive part of this experience for me. First, I want to thank my parents – my biggest supporters. Where would I be without you? You have been there every step of the way, as my loving parents, my teachers and coaches, and my best friends! You have always believed in me and that means more to me than you could ever know. Someday I will find a way to give back to you everything you have given me. Thank you to my sister, Nikki – my inspiration. Even as your older sister, I have spent a good portion of the last 22 years admiring everything you are. I am amazed by the things you are doing in your life — on and off the field. Just remember, I taught you everything you know! I am now and will always be your biggest fan! I don’t have to tell you good luck in the future because I know you will “take it to the house.” And if you are ever waiting for me to get my butt over to second … just throw the ball and I’ll be there! Thank you, Nicky – my motivation. I never thought anyone could ever be THAT positive, but you proved me wrong. You pushed me when I asked and even harder when I didn’t. Thank you for always believing in me! I LOVE YOU ALL! Thank you to my teammates, past and present. What I take from all of you is more than just the experience of playing next to you in the dirt. It is the opportunity and the challenge to know and develop great relationships with some of the most talented people I will ever meet. Hanni – we have been through so much and through it all we have become better friends. Thank you for always being there. T-Knocker (Churny) – you are my mid-dogg. So much of you reminds me of myself it’s scary (lucky girl!). I have no doubt that you will be a great leader on this team. Can’t take the honky-tonk out of you! Gutt and Schipp – your careers thus far have been so impressive and I can’t wait to see what you will do with them in your last year. You are two very strong leaders … next year’s team will be lucky to have you guiding them. Thank you to my coaches, past and present. The work and dedication that you have put into this sport amazes me. I will never forget the three words that have been the backbone of this team – Focus, Intensity, Discipline! Without those three things we would have never made it this far. Of course we cannot forget the other ‘F’, FUN! Miller – it has been a pleasure to play with someone who is so dedicated to getting the job done … and boy did you! To have had three more years with you as my coach has been an honor. Niki – you and Jackie gave me something to work for in the middle. The chemistry the two of you had gave me the drive to want to keep that going in this program. I hope I was an example of the things you two taught me. Fellow seniors, can you believe our four years are up? The four of us have gone through this together every step of the way: from the initiators of the dreaded ‘freshman’ talk, to wacky weather STL, and finally to OR-ange county California. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of classmates. Edge – (Bugaboo, JT) you have been a great leader behind the plate. Your knowledge back there has been impeccable. Daigs - (Manda, TwoSev) I’ve never known someone to work so hard and stay so strong. I admire you! You always know the right things to say to get me pumped. Lang, my little honorary senior, we might have only had three years together, but something tells me there are more to come. You’re talent in this sport was noticeable from day one. Someone should really thank the man that delivered you (Dr. Finger)! Regs – (Reeger, Reegs, Buddy McBestpal) KREGAN! (nuff said). Hey Regs, earmuffs! You are the best first-baseman I have ever seen step foot on the field … skying high and diggin ‘em out to save my butt. You have been my sanity in this insane world. This experience would never have been what it is without you. I wish I had pages, but I don’t. It’s ok because you know it all anyway...you have shared my brain for years. We know we can thank SMU for this…a great and wacky friendship that no one will ever fully understand! Thank you! Olive Juice! Finally, thank you to this year’s 2005 team. I have learned the most this year and it’s because of every single one of you: Edge, Manda, Regs, Gutter, Krizzle, Lang, Schipper, Churny, Dust, Junger, Lissy, Meg, T-Bone, G-Mama, Kimmy-Kim, Krodg, Neeners, Tess, Wally, Weis. Take advantage of everything you are given here. Make sure you leave nothing behind. Always remember why you are here…the reasons you play. I will leave you with one last thing: in taking from a very wise man, Coach Whaley, “ENJOY THE OPPORTUNITY!” I know I sure did! Having a day RED! 3-2-1 champions! YOU KNOW!