Tessa Stranik Sr. • Guard	Walking on to the Saint Mary’s basketball court for the first time almost four years ago, I had only one dream, to play collegiate basketball. As a scrawny freshman, with knee brace and all, I had absolutely no idea how much the game of basketball could affect every aspect of my life. While I expected the victories and defeats, the sweat and tears, the frustrations and the triumphs, I never fathomed that the girls on the court next to me would become my best friends, or that a simple injury, or three, could test your character so much, or that one could get so much joy from helping to dethrone past conference dynasties. I never imagined that being called ‘Washington’ would last for four years or that I might actually shoot free throws in two games in a row! But most of all, I could never have dreamed of the dignity I have felt every time I have put on that red and white uniform, or the pride I know I will always carry from having been a member of the Cardinal’s basketball team. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for all you do. The two of you are the inspiration in my life, and I owe EVERYTHING to you. Thank you for always showing your support and encouragement for all of the decisions I make, and especially when I chose a school so far from home. Words cannot express how much I appreciate all the long trips you have made just to watch a few basketball games, and most importantly for being here today. I love you both! Lisa, you’ve become one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Thank you for all the laughs, the tears, and the support through the tough times. Your positive outlook on life is one of the many reasons I will always look up to you and can only hope it will rub off on me. Sonya, thank you for always listening and lending your advice whenever I needed it. Also, thank you for the pink — our house wouldn’t be the same without it. Ace, thanks for being a role model for us when we were freshmen, and all the support that you have given us at all of our games and at home. To my basketball girls: G and Rat, my roommates, friends, and amazing captains. It has been an honor to play basketball with you the last four years. You are both truly two of the most talented players I have ever known, and are much of the reason that this program has become as respected as it is today. This program is truly losing two of the most talented athletes and all-around astounding individuals that it has ever known. Thank you for all the memories, both on and off the court, the nonstop laughter at our house, and for all the crazy ideas you’ve come up with. Jen, I mean Musty, thank you for being such a wonderful friend the last two years. I appreciate your willingness to listen and for giving advice when I’ve needed it…you are always more than welcome to sleep on the floor at our house whenever you want! Lue, A-Train, AJ, Murph, and Nut, thank you for all the entertainment, nonstop movie quotes, inappropriate but hilarious Christmas presents, and all the other memories. I wish you the best of luck next year. To the “Newbies,” Kel, Sauf, Chicken, Fos, Mouse, J-Dub, and 6-1, I see in all of you the drive to continue the success of this team; just always remember to do things the ‘Cardinal Way.’ Finally, thank you to our coaches. Ray, your laid back attitude and the way you care about each and every member of this team is appreciated more than you will ever know. But most of all, thank you for always reminding me to keep my feet squared up! Tony, thank you for always keeping the floor squeaky clean and for all the comments you make on the bench. Messmann, thank you for allowing us all to “just be basketball players.” I am honored to have played for someone with so much knowledge of the game and such an incredible drive for success. Thank you for always demanding nothing less than perfection from all of us, but most of all, thank you for showing us what it truly means to be a Cardinal. Now there’s only one thing left … T-minus three seconds … two … one … blast off!