Melissa Bids Farewell

This Senior Salute wasn’t really in my radar four years ago … . For those of you who don’t know, I’m on the every-other-year plan when it comes to playing ball. I love this game and apparently, I can’t stay away from it for longer than a year — and even that was painful. There’s nothing better than walking past a freshly cut field and newly chalked lines in the morning. Everything looks so perfect and that was enough to drive me nuts during the times I wasn’t playing. So here I am, finishing off my final year at Saint Mary’s, playing one of the best games ever. I have to say that it’s been an interesting four years, to say the least. I’ve definitely had my fair share of challenges, but I know that they’ve made me a better and stronger person. This game has stretched me in ways I didn’t know existed and some that didn’t feel the best but I wouldn’t take that back for a second. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some of the people that have had such an impact on my softball career and me over the last well … four years? Or should I say two years? First, I want to thank all the teammates that I’ve had while I’ve been here. Sophomore year … what a ride it was! That was probably one of the best teams I have ever played on and we had some amazing times. To my present teammates, this year has been a blast! Freshmen, Keesha, Herby, JJ, Hanna, Kate, Grobe, Ang… you guys are hilarious. I’m going to miss you next year, I’ll be cheering you on as much as I can though! Ang, bed buddy! I love that I got to know you this year, you are amazing and we had some great laughs in Florida! I hope your legs get better this summer … and we better hang out a lot! Grobe, all I have to say is I’m happy I met another person who appreciates Ellen as much as I do. Thanks for all of your support … lucky charms? It really means a lot to me! Sophomores, Cass, McGraw, Pulvy, E, and Bood! I love you guys! Pulvy and E, keep up the work you guys have a lot to look forward to! Cass, we still have a lot of great times to look forward too … I’m happy I got to know you this year! McGraw, can you believe we knew each other when we were little pip-squeaks? Crazy! Bood … I don’t know where to begin with you. You’ve been there through everything this year. Thanks for listening to me complain about school and many other things. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You are an amazing player and I know that you’re going to do great things in your next two years! I’m still amazed we haven’t collided in the outfield yet! Juniors … Thesing, G, and Fitz. You’ve definitely kept it interesting. Thesing, thanks for all the jokes. You keep me on my toes and I love it! G … well, thanks for the welcome back to ball on my first day. No hard feelings bud. Fitz … you’re an interesting one and I love it. You always keep me guessing about what you’ll say next. Last, but not least … to my fellow seniors. We did it! We’re here, staring at the last few days of school. Kind of a weird feeling huh? Jung … I probably wouldn’t be playing this year if it weren’t for you, thank you for giving me the extra push to play. We have so many memories over the last four years. I really don’t have enough room to even begin to tell ya how great you are and how much you mean to me. “Good times …” Wally, you’re a great pitcher, thanks for trying to get me some balls in right … I guess I shouldn’t complain huh? Schaar, thanks for being my throwing buddy and fellow right fielder all season! TC … where do I begin? We definitely have had our fair share of laughs over the years. You always lighten the mood and you definitely keep me laughing! I’m sure we’ll have many more laughs to come! Mills and Carolyn, it’s been a great year. Bet you didn’t think you’d have me again as a player did ya Miller? Haha, well here I am. Thanks for giving me another shot at this amazing game, I really appreciate it. Carolyn, you fit in all too well with this team! Thanks for all the encouragement this season! Last, but not least, to my family, you have been here through it all. Mom and dad, thanks for all the hours you spent at the ball field through the years. I know it’s not the easiest thing to do and I really appreciate the time that you’ve invested in me over the years. I know you are my biggest fans even when you’re not able to be here. Marcus, I’m pretty sure you’d be at every game if you could. I love you so much and love seeing you sitting in the bleachers! Mitchel, thanks for your support all the way from Duluth. I know you’d be here if you could be. Grandma and Grandpa, you’ve been to just about every game I’ve ever played in. Thanks for all the encouragement you’ve given me over the years and the snacks you’ve had for me after the games. I love you! Well … It’s about that time. It’s been a good four… or two … years, however you want to look at it. Thanks for all of the great memories! Oh yeah … Ambjor … thanks for taking care of my injuries over the last few years both on the ice and on the field. I told you I’d remember you in this Senior Salute!