Alissa Bids Farewell

I know everyone says this, but I really can’t believe that the time has come for me to write my Senior Salute. It seems like just yesterday I was meeting the team and asking Jaimie Lee and Ratt what college basketball tryouts were like. Next thing I know, I am getting scolded for “pulling up my socks” and four years have passed, leaving me to say goodbye. Throughout these years there have been many people who have touched my life, supported me, and been there when I needed them the most. First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents; I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for your love and support. The countless number of hours you spent driving to my games, the endless phone calls of encouragement and support, the numerous care packages, and the proud looks and smiles from the stands will be things that I will never forget. I will always remember looking up in the stands and seeing my dad look at me with that big smile and give me two thumbs up, and I always knew that things were going to be okay, no matter how nervous I was. And my mom, always being there to lend an ear, even if it was late at night, I knew I could always call you and you would listen. And how could I forget all the yummy left-overs you always brought, or the groceries? You are both incredibly amazing parents, I couldn’t ask for better. Thank you. Next I would like to thank “Daddy Don.” Donny, thank you so much for always being there when I needed to talk, I could talk to you about anything … basketball or not, you knew what to say. You were always there to talk sense into my head when I needed it the most. You helped keep me out of trouble (which I am sure Coach appreciates, too!) and on the right track. The late night talks and drives in the campus safety vans are something that I will always remember. Thank you for all your support and encouragement these past four years. I would also like to thank my captains. Lue: You are an incredible person and an amazing athlete. I have always and will always remember your heart and dedication. Murph Dirt (hahaha, it’s been a while since I have said that!): You are also an incredible athlete, as well as a fantastic leader. Thank you both for being there and making this an unforgettable experience. Next, I would like to thank my teammates. Jaimie Lee: Tthanks for taking me under your wing and making my freshman year one of the best years of my life. Buzzy, Libby, Tessa, and G … Wow! Thanks for all the great memories and advice throughout the years. J-Dub, Schaumburg, Sauf, Tank-Tisle, Dusty, Chicken, D, Calla, Nicolle, and Alyse, it has been an incredibly fun year. Thanks for all the memories … from sweeping Bethel to Calla and Alyse’s “Bear-Claw.” I wouldn’t trade this past year for anything. Keep up all your hard work, it pays off. And I would also like to thank Chicken, can you believe that nick-name stuck? I love it! Thanks for being there and listening, the years wouldn’t have been the same without you. To the posts: never forget: BANK BOARD! It is your friend, as much as we all hate it; I guess it’s there for a reason. Next I would like to thank Brian. Thank you so much for putting up with me the past two seasons. How are we still together after what I put you through?! Thank you for coming to all my games that you could, listening when I needed to talk, and giving me the advice that I needed to hear. You are unbelievable, don’t ever change! I would like to give a special thanks to my coaches. Coach Ray, thank you so much for being supportive, believing in me and pushing me to my full potential. Your encouraging words and actions kept me believing in myself. Coach Messmann, thank you so much for making my college basketball experience an unforgettable one. You taught me what it means to be a Cardinal and showed me the “Cardinal Way.” I have learned so much from you these past years, on and off the court, thank you for that. Thank you also for teaching me that everyday is an opportunity, and to never let an opportunity pass you by. Coach Ratt, thank you for being an amazing teammate, coach, and friend. I consider myself lucky to say that I had the chance to play with you on the court, and to also be coached by you from the sideline. Thanks for all the support and advice throughout the years. And finally, to all my friends and family: Thank you for your continuous support throughout the years, I love you all. “There comes a time, When we’ve got to stand up and fight for what we want, And that time is NOW! Are my ladies with me?!”