Jacqui Bids Farewell

I Iremember the day like it was yesterday. I was sitting in my sophomore dorm room, making that phone call home saying “Hey, dad, I think I’m going to try out for the basketball team.” I never would have thought coming to Saint Mary’s that I was going to pick up a basketball again and go out for the team. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Walking into my first day of pick up-ball, I didn’t really know what to expect. But what I do remember is the senior captains coming over to me and introducing themselves and Coach Messman and Ray being there to check out the newbie: scary and welcoming all at the same time. My collegiate basketball career has been the greatest adventure in my life. The friends I have made, the places I have traveled to, and the achievements I have conquered will be apart of my life forever. Throughout these past years, there have been many people who have made an impact in my life: supporting me, being there when I needed them the most, and importantly believing in me. First I would like to thank my parents. Thank you for encouraging me and pushing me to achieve all that I am capable of. You have always taught me to work hard and everything will fall into place. Thank you for the hours of coaching me when I was little, Dad. Thanks for driving me to all my practices and coming and watching all of my games. Especially, the three-hour drives on the weekends. You have been there through all my tears, my wins and my defeats. I still call you before games and after games to review what I need to work for next time. You taught me the golden rule of how you Practice is how you Play. I wouldn’t let down for a second. You have always taught me to play with heart. I hope I have made you proud. I love you both very much! To my brother and sister — Rocky and Stephanie. Thank you for coming to all my games growing up, even though I know you have better things to do. Thank you Stephanie for teaching me the game. I know watching you play growing up was what influenced me to want to play too. Rocky, thank you for helping me work on my skills to become a better basketball player. I love shooting hoops on the drive way. You both mean a lot to me and thanks for just always being supportive of me. Love you both! You guys are the best. To my teammates. Gosh I don’t even know where to start. To my captains — Jess, Tanke and Dusty. Thanks for all of the memories on and off the court. You all are incredible people and dedicated, respected teammates as well as leaders. Thank you for making my basketball career so memorable. I wish everything but the best for all of you. The freshmen — Steph, Allyson, Nicole P. ( I know you aren’t a freshmen but you are a newbie), and Tara. You all have been amazing to play with this year. I expect great things to come in the future from this team and you guys are who it all starts with. The Sophomores — Nicholle H., Alyse and D. Nichole thanks for introducing me to “KG”, and I am definitely going to miss not being able to share all of my random thoughts and comments to you. D, our close-outs are amazing. That was my favorite part of warm-ups. Alyse, what I can I say. Glad you are on my team and that I didn’t have to play against you. You definitely could make a girl smile at any time and your hard work improves every one of your teammates daily. Get crackin down and watch those elbows. The juniors-Amy, Kelly, Jess, and Melissa. Amy, thanks for being there and listening. I will miss our bus rides rocking out to Nicolle’s music and know that you can’t replace me at our basket to shoot before practices. Also, thanks for being such a great stretch partner … sorry Nicolle. Oh, and for the cookies after each game. Kelly and Jess, thanks for making my senior year so memorable. It has been great getting to know the both of you on and off the court. Jess I will miss not being able to give you advice when you come off the bench or reminding you to go left and dribble with your left hand. Kelly, you have shown great dedication to this team and I loved going to you for advice. Mel or 6’1 … crazy what a small world it is and that our families have been so close for years. You are a great friend. I love your crazy comments and your support and dedication to this team is amazing. Thanks for adopting me as your other family. To my other senior-Dusty. I hope for the best in your future plans. These past years have been great and you were a fantastic leader on the court. Molly, our manager, couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for helping us out and being there for all of us. Let’s not forget, ND baby!!! Next, I would like to thank my roommate. Becky, thank you for coming to all of my games when you could. Even though you didn’t really understand the rules except for times out … that’s what made it fun. Thank you for being there and listening to me when I needed you, the years would not have been the same without you. Thank you for reminding me when I got frustrated that the game is fun and not to worry. Amy Madden, I cannot forget about you. Thank you for also coming to my games and wishing me good luck. You were a good roommate and are a great friend. So many of the best memories between you, Becky and I. You guys are the best!!! Campus Safety Don, thank you so much for always coming to the games and supporting the women’s basketball team. Also, thank you for always lending an ear. I could talk to you about anything, whether it is about basketball or not. Thank you for your support and encouragement through out these past four years. To the baseball guys. Thank you for coming in to scrimmage us at the beginnings of every season. It was nice to change it up a bit and for you guys to challenge us. Even though you may think you could score 100 points on us during a scrimmage, I don’t think it was possible. We are always in way better shape!! Ashley Luehman and Alissa Banttari. Fellow teammates and friends. Lue, you have been a part of this program as my teammate, coach, and friend. Thank you for always believing in me as a player. You are a great friend and thank you for making my basketball career at Mary’s such a memorable one. A-Train, even though you are not here anymore, you are the reason the nickname “Chicken” is still around. Thank you for making it out to a few games this year and I can never forget the traditions you brought forth to the program. Love ya!! Last but not least, to the coaches. Coach Stimmel and Coach Z, you have taught me many lessons this year that I will carry on with me forever in the future. You encouraged and believed in me throughout this season. I am very blessed to have been coached by the two of you this past year and can see many great things coming to this team in the future. Thank you for making my senior year so memorable. To all of my friends and family and to the fans at Saint Mary’s, thank you for all your support and dedication. I really appreciate it and will miss everyone!!