Jenny Bids Farewell

The summer after my high school graduation, I was still trying to convince my mom that collegiate softball just wasn’t for me; she persisted, and I cannot think of anything to thank her more for. My four years here at SMU have resulted in so many strong friendships, amazing memories, and awesome experiences, that I cannot imagine my life without them, and frankly I don’t want to. First and foremost, THANK YOU Mom, and Dad for everything you have sacrificed in order to send me to a slightly more expensive school just so I could play ball. I truly appreciate all of the support you have always given me, and love you both very much. Mom, you are the best #1 fan a kid could ask for. I cannot even imagine the total amount of miles you have put onto your car driving to all of my games. They never would have been the same if I didn’t hear you cheering in the background. Plus, it is always nice to be able to talk to someone after a bad game that must have just been looking the other way when I messed up :) Dad, although you usually were looking during those mess-ups :), your support and honesty have always helped me to become a better player and person. Your work schedule may have kept you away from some games, but it means a lot to me to know that you worked your breaks around game times so you could listen over the internet and check the score. Thanks for all the “strategy talks.” I also have to thank my Grandma and Grandpa. I don’t think I have ever seen two other people more bundled up in the cold weather than you two, and still cheering loud and wearing smiles on your faces! Grandma, that horn you have will go down in history here! And Grandpa I don’t think anyone else can dance better to the music in between innings than you. You are two amazing people, and I love you! Coach, you have played such a major role in the player I have become. First of all, can we now laugh about freshman year?! So I forgot how to throw a strike … big deal! It all worked out in the end :) Thank you for sticking it out with me and keeping me motivated to work through it. Because of you “whip it” will always have a special meaning. Also, thanks for teaching us all that “phenomenal” is an excellent adjective that can be used both on and off the field :) Mills, what can I say? You are an amazing coach, and an even better person. I don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have you to talked to over the years. Your love of the game and desire to win has inspired me more times than I can count. Not to mention your remarkable ability to quote “Friends” even in the direst of times! Thanks for always listening and finding ways to make it all fun. Ambjor, my arm likely wouldn’t be connected to my body today if it weren’t for you! Thanks for all the stim hook-ups and ice bag wrappings, they really mean a lot to me :) You really don’t get paid enough for all that you do around here, thanks for everything, Trainer! Donny, not many people may realize it, but you do so much for the softball program. Thanks for all the write-ups that somehow showed up online mere minutes after the games, and for all of the support you give to this team. We truly appreciate it! To the best SUPER FANS a team could ask for, thanks! You have all made playing a home game more fun that I thought possible. You crazy signs and sometimes-odd cheers have brought a lot to the atmosphere of the game. Thanks for all the support! B, you are the ringleader of it all, and I love ya for it! My fellow senior :) Gutt, you are a wonderful teammate, great captain, and even better friend. The quiet way that you go about getting things done on the field has always impressed me. If I ever had to pick someone for that last chance at-bat, or to field a ground ball for the 3rd out, it would be you without a question. Not to mention for any talks or venting sessions. JAJA will mean something to me forever, even if the Amy’s did leave us. From Jenny with a “Y” and Jenni with an “I” we have developed a friendship that will always mean a lot to me, I love ya! It also wouldn’t be appropriate for me not to throw in a special thanks to all the catchers over the years. You all have played a huge part in the pitcher I’ve become, thanks for always reminding me to get my hip out of the way, get a little more snap on the ball, and to check my stride…I owe a lot to you, especially Edge, Lang, and J-Dub, for all those strikeouts; thanks for ALL of the frames, and for letting us think that it really is “all about the pitchers!” Last but certainly not least, thank you, Tom. I don’t know how I got so incredibly lucky to end up with a guy like you. You’ve been there through all of the ups and downs, non-stop softball talk, and most of the games. Thank you for always letting me ramble on about my frustrations, and for finding the best ways to tell me to shut up when it was time :) Not to mention all of the wonderful home-cooked meals I got to enjoy after practice while everyone else headed to the caf! Thank you for all of the support these last four years. It’s going to be a good rest of my life with you; I love you. To the ferocious Cardinals, you all have helped make my last year of playing competitive softball (tear) one of the best. Boody (WOOP WOOP!), Spangs, McGraw, Otte-Otte-Otte, Ebops, and Pulvy: what an amazingly talented group of freshmen. The love for the game that the six of you share is going to take you far during your careers here at SMU. Live it up and do something with it :) Walliford, J-Dub (tweet tweet), Thesing, Grandma, G, Scharr, T.C., and Junger: It has been a privilege to play ball with all of you. Wally and Jess, I don’t think I could think of two other people who could have made cheering on the bench more enjoyable; you two are hilarious! Annie, I’m so glad you stayed a part of the team these last four years. Thank you for all your help, and without a doubt for all the arm/shoulder rubs. T.C. you deserve special thanks for helping to remind me how much fun softball can be during our summer ball season with the Rookies. You are a light-hearted, often-times late, talented softball player, that for some reason knows how to dance, and I am so glad that I got to play with you from NSP days to now. To the entire team, remember to have the focus, the intensity, and the discipline, and to always add in the fun. 1…2…3 TEEEEAAAAAM!