As I reflect on the last four years, it has been an incredible journey. From my freshman year, I knew that this team was something special. Being a part of this team has been a large part of my life at Saint Mary’s. It is hard to find a team more dedicated, hard-working and just fun to be around. I will take these memories with me forever. Mom and Dad, thanks for everything over the past four years! You will never know how much your support means to me. You guys have been there through it all. I love you guys! Kari, Lindsay and Cassie, thanks for always understanding and the constant encouragement. I would like to thank the coaches for all their hard work through the years. Tschida, thanks for all the time you put in and for not giving up on me as a freshman. You taught me what it means to be a true champion. Bob, “RJ,” thanks for your constant support and dedication. Kevin, your motivation from the bench and support is always great. Thanks! Coach Garin, “Big Dog” first as teammates and now to a coach, thanks for all the encouragement, dedication and for just listening this year. Thanks, too, to the trainers, you guys have been great, especially this year! Thanks to my teammates, past and present, for all of your hard work and determination. You have taught me a lot about teamwork and friendship, and made me loosen up. You guys have so much going for you. Keep up the hard work and dedication, the sky’s the limit! Enjoy your time at Saint Mary’s, because it only lasts a short while. Finally, thanks to all the parents and the fans, your support has been invaluable to our success!
	Teisha Smith Pitcher/1B Elma, Iowa Major: Biology
				My four years here at Saint Mary’s have been the most challenging and memorable years of my life. I have had the awesome opportunity to play on a tremendous team for one of the best coaches in the country. Coach Tschida has taught me the meaning of hard work, dedication and determination. I would like to thank him and the rest of the coaching staff — Bob, Jen, Mac and Tim — for their hard work and long hours. I would also like to thank my teammates, past and present, who have helped me become the player I am, who have worked so hard throughout the years, and who I have shared any life-long memories with. Teisha, Kateri and Jess, it’s been real — I love you guys! Thanks to all of my roommates, KT, Anne, Sherre and China, for being there for me through thick and thin. I love you guys, too! But most of all, I’d like to thank my mom and my second dad. Thanks for all your support! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you! I love you!!
	Angie Wright Outfield La Crosse, Wis. Major: Psychology
				Iwould like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me with my life and softball career. First off, thank-you to Mom and Dad for always supporting my decisions and being there for me whenever I needed you. Thank-you to all of the coaches — Tschida, Bob, Jen, Mac and Tim — for all the time you spend helping the team and me to become better. Also, thank you for all the things you taught me about the game of softball, as well as all the life-long lessons. Thank-you to all of my teammates, you guys have made the softball team great and very enjoyable to be a part of. Also, thank-you for all the memories. Without you, this experience would not be what it has been for me. Finally, I would like to thank all of our loyal fans. It is not always easy to sit outside in some of the weather we have had, but you did and it means a lot to us. I would like to end by telling all the underclassmen to cherish the time you have here at Saint Mary’s and as a member of the softball team. It goes by way too fast, so take advantage of it, because before you know it, it is all over.
	Jess Truhlar Infield Oakdale, Minn. Major: Social Science
				It’s hard to believe all the work that has gone into the Saint Mary’s University fastpitch softball program. I have never met a more dedicated group of young ladies and coaching staff. I would have to say that being a part of this team and a part of its success has been, and always will be, one of my greatest accomplishments. This team has taught me so many things that I will never let go of, including what it really takes to be a champion — dedication, hard work and a never-say-die attitude. I would not have been able to learn as much as I have if it weren’t for all the coaches and my teammates. Thanks to all the fans who have shown up through snow, wind and sunshine! The game just wouldn’t be the same without you. A special thanks to Mom and Bill, who have always been there for me for moral support and encouragement — especially when things didn’t seem so bright. To all my teammates, keep working hard and everything will go your way. Keep in mind what it takes to be a true champion. Not even me, Miss I-can’t-remember-what-I-did-yesterday, will forget all the memories we’ve shared! To all my friends, and especially Chris, thanks for always listening to me whine about soreness, and thanks for just being there. To the coaches, thanks for all the sacrifices you’ve all made in order for the team to shine!
	Kateri Eddy Infield Eyota, Minn. Major: Nuclear Medicine
		Saint Mary's University Fastpitch SportsNews is compiled by Donny Nadeau • Sports Information Director