Kendall
French

Sr. • Manager
Carbondale, CO

The most incredible feeling I have ever experienced occurred every time we had a big game … walking into the locker room, everything perfectly prepared, silent tension and nervous giggles; walking out to the ice through the long hallway with the skates in unison on the rubber mats, the adrenaline screaming, stomach turning, stepping out on the perfectly smooth ice, all fears aside and everything feels so right.

Unfortunately, I have gotten used to the idea of no longer playing and no longer practicing everyday with the team, as I haven’t been able to since midway through sophomore year. However, I have not been able to accept the idea that the time has come to leave this team, this locker room, this senior class, this rink and this school. Before I leave I must thank those that have been a major part of my life for the past four years.

I would first like to thank my family. Mom, thank you for taking me to the rink year after year, even if it was for nine years of figure skating. All of the time and energy spent at the rink growing up paid off. Your perfect balance of beauty, generosity, kindness and strength amazes me. Dad, thank goodness you finally got me to play hockey! All of the years we spent driving up and down valley together are priceless. I laugh every time I think about them. Thank you for all of your valuable knowledge. I look to you for everything. Thank you for being my endless source of love and support. Sean, I am so proud to have you as my brother. Even though you are 3 years younger, I hate to admit this, but I have always looked up to you. You are the real reason I started playing hockey. Thank you for the introduction to such an amazing game. Nana, I know you never got to see me play here, but I think Bacca may have caught a game or two from up above. Thank you for your love and support. I love you all and miss you.

I would like to thank my “families away from home.” For all of the “mom hugs”, home cooked meals, rides to the airport, Thanksgiving dinners, simple words of encouragement, and friendships. Thank you, PaulZ and PollyZ., Bonnie Kearns, Mike and Kathy Hayes, John and Mary Williams, The Derringer’s, The Amsden’s, and The Mondo’s. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Seniors, I can’t believe we made it! Tennie — raspberry muffins are so good. Freshman year was incredible, thank you for making it what it was. Alissa — I enjoyed having class with you, and I still blame you for the noise violation in Yon’s. MXK — “I ride my bicycle!”, bangin’ on the ivories, CSI, etc. Thank you for all of the laughs! Tasa, Yon’s = trouble, and a night in the New Village = bad, bad news! Annabelle, team two! I missed you two this year.

Di — Bon Jovi, 30 minutes about mist!? How many slugs?! Mmm… Nature! Living in Yon’s was such a great time, and this year has been better than anything I could have ever imagined. Thank you for all of the hours and hours of wasting time, it was the best. FORTS DON’T GOT CARPET!
BethZ, Dude, I’ve never met anyone like you. Thank you for being original. You said it best in the fall … “Peas and carrots.” Thank you for teaching me so much about myself and this crazy place called Minnesota. We have been roommates since the start and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you so much for four of the best years of my life. I hold you responsible for 73% of the fun I’ve had here. The book of your not-so-smart moments will be worth millions some day soon. We will be best of friends for all of the years to come, and that’s a promise. CIRCLE CIRCLE DOT DOT DOT!

Mosabe, thank you for being my “big sister,” you have taught me more than I will ever know. I look to you for strength on my blah days. I don’t think I would have made it through sophomore year without you. By the way, just how did you really separate your shoulder anyway? I can’t wait to travel the world with you!

Sarah G. and Mons D., thank you for the craziness.

Mindy, you are the most incredible defensemen I’ve ever been on the ice with. Missy, thank you for showing me how to have heart for a team.

Kate, oohhh mmnnnyupp! (hand signal). Welcome! (hand signal). My metabolism is on welfare! Tahahaha toe!

G-raf! Hi-hi. Your brutal honesty is appreciated. I’ve never known anyone like you. Take care of this team next year. “Ding fries are done … ding fries are done!” (Crowns and all).

Mondo, I never thought I could learn so much from one person, especially someone born in 1985! You have shown me what a friendship is supposed to be. Thank you for being my best friend. Fidelis.

Moo, you’re beautiful! Aj’a, I have finally gotten used to hearing “spanks,” you’re great! Babs, you crack me up! Dinneen, thank you for all of your help this year!

Porchies, thank you for making this year so fun! I hold you guys responsible for the best year of my college career. TJ — thank you for all of your help! Todd — thank you for trying to culture me. Ha! Jake … (secret handshake).

Duncan, thank you for the chance to be a part of this team. Freshmen year was the best year I’ve ever had in the sport of hockey. Thank you for making that possible. Take this program to where it belongs … the top.

Saint Mary’s was the perfect fit for me, and I credit the women’s hockey team for four unforgettable years. Remember what it is to be a Cardinal, and be there with pride every time you step on the ice.