Rachel Bids Farewell

If I’m writing this, that means that I’m getting old. And by the number of creaks and cracks that my body has, it’s true. I think every senior on this team can relate, which just proves how hard this group has worked in the past four years. I am privileged to be able to graduate with a group of girls that are so dynamic and hard working. I pulled out my photo album from freshman year for inspiration in writing this thing, and it really becomes apparent how fast the four years here fly, and how almost every memory meshes together and builds on the next one. I have the senior class from my freshman year to thank for helping build the foundation that the current senior class has grown from. They did a wonderful job of helping each one of us fit in and find our own role at Saint Mary’s. More specifically, though, I would like to thank Kearns for being such a great friend to me, I really appreciate everything, and to Aja for living with me last year, I had a blast (and will always think of you when I eat mustard)!! My list would go on forever if I thanked all of my former teammates, but each I am grateful for being able to play with each one. To my current teammates. Sheboygan and Gage, if it weren’t for you guys making freshman year so fun, I would have left Saint Mary’s. Sheboygan, we hated each other when we got here (because of our former teams), but somehow you, Gage and I managed to make Benilde a pretty awesome place to live. Gage, I will always remember Becky’s special picture we took:) Becky, you will always be my East African Seductive dance partner and co-Disney Scene-It Champ. Moo, I will miss looking at the back of your helmet before every game and our library chats. Mondo, I’ve been lucky to have you as my linemate all four years. All I gotta say is, “thank goodness we survived P.Chem! “ Ribs, you will forever be my Monday night bowling alley buddy. Call me anytime to harass those Vikings fans! Go Pack! Jung, thanks for always picking navy. Your unique knowledge for sports trivia amazes me ... along with your goaltending skills. Amy Beth, I will miss your sincerity and cheery attitude both on and off the ice. Call me anytime, we can exchange recipes! Jenna, whenever I hear Paris Hilton I will think of your SUPERIOR dance moves. Beel, you’re the newest to the group, but your dedication to the team has been much appreciated. Val, you are such a doll and have the sweetest heart. I promise to keep sending you new CD’s with my AWESOME music taste:) Angie, keep wearing your tight long pants ... just avoid the crabby pants. Oh, and keep listening to Rhubarb Pie, it’s a great song. Shire, when I slim down a few sizes, or ten, we’ll play Jenga again! La, I don’t think I’ll meet someone with your energy and ability to make others laugh. All the other freshman and under class man, thank you for being great teammates and friends. I will miss you all! Terry and Coach A. Thank you for the hard work and dedication you have put into this program. Your coaching made hockey fun again. To have two individuals who truly believed in our abilities was refreshing and inspired me to want to play my best. Thank you to all of the other coaches I’ve had in my life ... both on teams and individually:) A big thank you goes out to all of the parents who show up to all of our games and continue to be the best support network possible! We need you all to show up next year to teach the incoming parents how to tailgate and dance on the bars! Tyler, thank you for all of your encouragement and support. To the rest of my friends and family, seeing you in the stands just shows how lucky I have been in my life. Thank you. Now the biggest thank you goes out to my parents and my brother. Charlie, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have started playing hockey. So now, after 12 years, I will admit it, I copied you. But I am so glad I did. Playing with you in high school was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother, I love you, Chuck! Mom and Dad, I don’t know how you kept your sanity hauling the two of us around ... especially when I played for two teams. Managing to bring me to 6 games in a weekend was unreal and I am still in awe of how you two did it. I don’t know if it’s even possible though to thank you two enough for all of the love and support you have given me and Charlie growing up. Bottom line is thank you, I love you both!