Erica Ruther Sr. • Midfield	I didn’t think I would be writing one of these so soon. Where did all the time go? Well, I’m really not one for saying good-bye. I really don’t like it so much, so I’m going to just say that I’m moving towards a new chapter in my life. The memories that I have created from soccer will always be with me, reminding me of all the good times and not so good times that we have had together over the years. Here’s how it all began. Sixteen years ago, Mom and Dad decided that I should try playing Park & Rec. soccer. There weren’t any coaches because the sport was so underdeveloped in our area so dad volunteered. He knew little about the sport but leaned whatever he could just so I could have a coach. From that day on, my dad was my coach for over six years and mom was my biggest fan. From Park & Rec. soccer I moved into traveling soccer, where things changed a bit. I was coached by new coaches, Brad and John. These are two incredible men who would do anything to help us learn how to better play the game of soccer. They really showed me and my teammates a true love for the game and what dedication meant. I want to thank Brad and John for seeing something in me and pushing me to strive for more then I thought I could accomplish. I continued to play traveling soccer year round and then began to play for our varsity soccer team. Varsity soccer is where I met some of my dearest friends and created an abundance of incredible memories from playing in the mud, to beating our long-time rivals, to going the farthest Simley High School soccer has gone (3rd in State). Through the years, I was coached by several coaches who taught me to be disciplined and patient — and when I was, great things would and did come my way. Coach Gailbraith, I want to thank you for making us run our butts off and for never letting us settle for less then perfection. Coach Bailey, Coach Buterin, Coach Fotch you were a great group of coaches who taught us how to play like a team and how to act like a team on and off the field. And finally, to my teammates, who have all gone in a variety of directions, thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the great soccer! The last chapter of my soccer career thus far is SMU soccer. I came in as a freshman scared to death. I was definitely forced to stretch my comfort level. I still remember the first college game my father attended — he asked the coach if this was “hockey or football,” meaning things are a lot faster, aggressive, and the girls are better. The first two years may not have shown much by the outcomes, but I enjoyed all the playing time and new experiences that I gained by being a part of the team. I want to thank you Coach Blank for all his time and effort. Then there was junior year. I can’t say this one was my favorite by any means. Injury is never fun and the therapy is a pain in the butt. And when you are finally cleared to play then next year you realize that you may never be the player that you once were. This has been one of the hardest things for me. It is though injury that I realized the true value of my health and being able to do what I want to do. So never sell yourself short and always try everything you want because someday that chance may be gone. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my teammates, past and present. We have been through some battles and some good times. Having you all there is what made all the memories so great. I know that I couldn’t have done this without you all. SL, KR, KM, the three other senior girls — we made it! From Day 1 we have pushed each other through it all, picked each other up when we were down and most of all we have had some great times on and off the field (well. KR. someday we will play together, right?). Juniors. the ball is in your court for next year. Be the great leaders and players you all are. Strive for the best and you never know what you will accomplish. CG. you have been a wonderful co-captain and leader on the field, keep it up. AS. you will always be my co-outside winger, have a day in battle, and never forget flippy cup at BZ’s. Sophomores continue to work hard. Freshmen you have truly risen to the bar, continue to play great soccer and strive for the best. To Coach Halberg, aka Jeff, thank you for the pep talks before games and for the intensity when playing with us in practice. Coach Guinn, this year has definitely been a 180 from years past. Thanks for allowing me to see things a little bit differently. There are a few people that need some recognition for all they have done for me and those people are my family and friends. Mom, Dad, Rachel and Emily, you know that I would not have made it this far over all the highs and lows without your love and support. A big “I love you” to little Emo, for trying to be just like her big sis, and for Rachel, who was always there in her own way. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being there for the great moments and the not-so-great ones: for washing my dirty, stinky clothes, for taking pictures, for wiping away the tears and for holding my hand before I had to go into surgery. To all my friends who have come to games and sat out in the rain, snow or 100-plus weather, THANK YOU! It means a lot to see and hear people at games who truly care about you whether you win or lose. There is also one other very special person who deserved a lot of credit for the person I am today. That person is my roommate and best friend, Martha. This is a girl who came to every game, had presents, good luck cards, put up with me after surgery when all I wanted to be was independent. Thank you for being my strength when I was weak and for being there to party when things were great! Once again I really don’t like goodbye — so I will see you all again in the future somewhere at some time. Until then, play hard, keep smiling, and take care of yourself because sometimes life is just to short. Live for the moment!