Nikki Bids Farewell

One of my youth softball coaches had a quote that always put softball in perspective for me: “Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Sometimes it rains.” Over the course of my four years here at Saint Mary’s, we’ve seen our share of wins, our share of loses, and more than our share of rain. Being on the ball field has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It started in tee ball, where everyone wore jeans and trucker hats. Continued in baseball, where I was the only girl in the league. And it will finish here at Saint Mary’s, where we try to carry on the Bulldog tradition everyday. Playing softball for Saint Mary’s has been an honor that I will never forget. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for my parents. Mom and Dad, you have always been my biggest supporters, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done. Shuttling me from game to game and tournament to tournament can’t be how you wanted to spend every summer weekend. But in good times and bad you have believed in me and that has made me the ball player I am today. Mom, you’ve always been there to clean up a scrape or make sure Dad’s pearls of wisdom don’t go too far. I know there have been some anxious moments (i.e. a little heat stroke or a broken nose) but you’ve always supported me and shown me your love for the game. Dad, for many of my years you weren’t just my dad but you were my coach as well … technically or not … and I am nothing if not a product of you. I know I joke about all the tears that went into my throwing form and whatnot, but I really do appreciate all the work you put in to make me the player that I am today. Contrary to what I might say sometimes, you actually do know what you’re talking about … a little bit. Thank you both so much. I love you. Kristen, you are a great little sister, and we’re gonna put in some serious work this summer to get you playing some real ball. Maybe if we practice a lot Dad won’t have to “help” you quite as much. Please don’t be 00 for softball … it’s still not a number, and if you catch the ball in the pocket of the glove you won’t get so many bruises:) Love ya. My fellow seniors, Schaar, Tara, Mondo, and Wally, thanks so much for the time we’ve had together. It’s been quite a ride. Schaar, your dedication and work ethic are amazing. Thanks for holding my visor:) Tara, your enthusiasm has always inspired me. You’re a great ball player and I’m very thankful I got the chance to play with you. Mondo, even though you’re on the every other year plan, you’re a great player. If you could please not pop-up anymore so I don’t have to pop-up that would be great:) You always push everyone to be better. Thanks so much. Wally, bed buddy, I don’t even know where to start. So many funny times … reading 13 pages in four hours, spando woman on the bus, you almost shooting yourself in the eye with the staple gun, and so many more. Thanks for always keeping us loose, and mostly, just for being you. To all my other teammates, Grobe, Otte, McGraw, Keesha, Herby, Kate, JJ, Fitz, G, Angie, Pulvy, Hanna, Bood, Thesing, and E, thanks so much for the time that we’ve had together. Keep working hard and continue the great SMU fastpitch tradition. You’re all so talented, and I can’t wait to see what you can do over the years to come. Bood, three more waits. Fitz, lock it in. Thanks for being my b.p. pitcher. E, I’ve loved every minute of catching for you. I expect you to be the best pitcher in the conference next year, so when I come back you better not disappoint:) Just tap it in … Thesing, thanks for keeping me sane the last two years. I would be even more of a headcase without you around. Knowing that you thought I could do it meant a lot to me, especially when I didn’t think I could. I know I rip on you a lot, but it’s all in fun. Your hard work has made me a better ball player and I thank you for that. Please don’t give up. I know you can do it. My former teammates, Daigs, Krista, Regan, Edge, Schipp, Gutt, and everyone else, you showed me what playing SMU softball really meant. Hold the Rope. To my roommate, Amanda … you finally got to see a home run. YEAH! Thanks for always believing in me and understanding my moods when I don’t do as well as I would like. I envy your patience and persistence and want to thank you for always pushing me to be my best. I can’t wait to see what a great doctor you’re going to make and I’m so excited to see you throw at nationals and kick some major butt. Maybe if you do well we’ll have a blizzard:) The mostest and the mostest and the mostest. My coaches … Miller, I can’t imagine my four years here without you. Thanks for always being there when I needed to get something off my chest. Your dancing and joking are always highly motivating:) Get off of my field, Dillhole! Carolyn, I wish you had been here earlier. I’ve had so much fun getting to know you this year. Thanks for unhitching my trailer at first and always being there when I need to talk. Hopefully we can have some more fun this summer. Ambjor, thanks for keeping my arm attached to my body. I don’t know what we would have done without you. Coachie, I wouldn’t be at Saint Mary’s if it wasn’t for you, and I wouldn’t be the ball player I am today without your guidance and support. I’m still proud of the bruise I gave you freshman year, even though it scared the crap out of me. Thank you so much for everything. You still owe me a case of pop by the way:) Anyone I forgot, I’m sorry. I don’t think there’s any better way to end my Senior Salute than by using a Friend’s quote, “So no one told you life was gonna be this way … (enter claps here).”