Monica Deringer Sr. • Defense Brooklyn Park, MN Saint Mary’s women’s hockey … A chapter of my life that is already coming to an end. When the four years started, I had no clue what would lie ahead of me or the challenges I would encounter. The past four years have been filled with excitement, joy, tribulations and tears. There have been times when I wanted to give up, pack up and leave, but that was when I was able to turn back to my family, friends and the team to pick me up. There is nothing that can replace the memories and lessons that I have learned through academics, living with friends, participating in extracurriculars and most of all through playing on the SMU Women’s Hockey Team. The team has seen its share of ups and downs, transition of coaches and the challenge of remaining a strong group of women. Through it all though, we have been able to conquer many things and persevere enough to meet some of our goals and enjoy our time while at the rink. There are certain people that have been part of my journey that have made it all possible and worthwhile. My family, Momsy, Popsy and Nathan, have been there for me through my entire journey of college and hockey. I was always able to count on seeing my parents watching my games and cheering me on. It didn’t always matter if I played perfect or if I made a huge mistake because my family was always able to help me keep the game of hockey in perspective. It is a game and it is supposed to be fun. I thank them for supporting me through the rough spots I hit both in hockey but also outside of hockey. They own the shoulders I looked to for crying on and their open embrace is what I looked to for hugs and reassurance. How lucky I am to have the greatest people I know be my family. With my love, I thank all three of you for loving me and all the baggage that may have came with that task. There is also another special cheerleader that has always been there for me. That would be my Grams Guimond. She tries to come and watch and cheer on her little Monica whenever it is possible and when it isn’t possible, I know she is there with me. Grams has always been an inspiration of courage and strength and someone for me to emulate. Thank you Grams, I love you. My coaches, both in the present and in the past have impacted me in numerous ways. As a child, my coaches possessed a sense of positivity and delight whom just wanted the best for all of the youngsters participating. As I grew up, I began to battle those around me and those superior. Luckily though, when I started at SMU I was able to start again with a clean slate. All of my coaches at SMU have caused me to reflect on myself as a person and a player. They have taught me not only about the game of hockey but also how to deal with people, problems and other things that may arise. For that I am thankful that I could come out of my hockey career with more than an expanded knowledge of the game, but also with more knowledge about myself. Thank you to my present coaches, Duncan Ryhorchuck and Anna-Marie Brickner, for helping me lead the SMU Cardinals in the best way I know how. I would also like to thank those coaches that have come and gone throughout the years for showing me what my strengths are and ways to except and work with my weaknesses. It has been a combined effort of many people and personalities that has led me to be the player I am today. Through the years, Josie, Hicks, Ruthie and Em, have been some of the people that have helped me form many fond memories from exciting days not only in the academic world and the hockey world but also the world outside of school. In addition to these four, two more people, Sarah and Benny, play extremely important roles in my life. Unfortunately for them they have to see me in all moods but luckily for me they still choose to stick by me. If only there was a way to express the gratitude I have to them for being such wonderful, supportive people in my life. I thank you both for all you do for me and all you put up with. For my ladies on the team … As a team, we have shown that we all contain the same desire and determination to do the best we can. I thank all of you for choosing to be a part of the team, and I hope you have all learned something from me as I have from each and everyone of you. The things I have learned from being part of a team will stick with me forever. To my seniors, I want to thank you for a very fun and exciting four years. Who knew that we would all choose to come to Saint Mary’s and experience all we have together. I must admit that we have experienced some awesome things that will be memories that will last with me forever. The trek has been amazing. For the rest of the team, I thank you for being my friends and being part of this chapter of my life, I wish you the best of luck in the coming years. This team has been both my sanity and insanity of my four college years, but through it all I knew I had a group of sisters and friends that would always be there for me day in and day out. What could make a person feel any better?