Courtney Bids Farewell

Being a part of the Saint Mary’s women’s soccer team for the past four years has been an up and down rollercoaster of emotions; from winning only three games in my first two seasons at SMU; to winning over 20 in my last two seasons. I can still remember sitting in our preseason soccer meeting my freshman year with tear-filled eyes in disbelief that my dad actually really did leave me at this unknown place. Now, I sit with tear-filled eyes that today I will put on my # 4, white, SMU jersey; for the last time ever. Playing soccer has given me many memories, experiences and friendships that I will forever be grateful for. I would have not been able to enjoy all of these different elements the game has to offer, if it were not for a number of people. I would like to take the time to thank all of those who have been a part of my soccer career. First, and definitely most importantly, I would like to thank my dad, Michael Gibson. Without your support and encouragement I would not be where I am today. Since the 8th grade, you have single-handedly taken the responsibility of getting me to every soccer practice, and every game on time and ready to play. On your own, you have supported me in sending me all across the state, country, and the world for the game I love. No matter how busy or stressful your life is, you have always put me first. I know there are few girls who have a father they can go to for anything, will support them through anything, and love them through anything. I love you more than you will ever know and I am so thankful to have truly the best dad in the world. To my mother, Colleen Gibson: It is not often I really get the chance to thank my mom, but when thinking of the most important people in my life, I do not want to leave her out. My mom has been the strongest person I have ever met in my life. No matter how sick, tired, or busy she was, she always made it seem like my soccer games, school and life in general were more important. Every time I look in the stands to see who has made it to my game, I always remember what Dad once told me; that although I may not physically be able to see you in the crowd, you have the best view of the game. I love you; miss you, and thank you for the life you and Dad have given me. Shelly and Catie, I have always looked up to you two growing up. You two are a couple of the best athletes and workers I have ever met; not to mention the funniest two people I have ever met. You two have definitely been my number one soccer fans throughout my collegiate career. Thank you for coming to almost every game and taking me out to many dinners after. No matter how concentrated I was on the game (which is always) you two could always make me laugh once I heard or saw you in the crowd. I know I can always count on you guys for help and advice on no matter what it is. You two are my best friends and I love you guys very much. Eric, Greg and Connor; first, I would like to thank you for putting up with my crazy sisters and second, thank you for coming to all of my games as well. Whether my sisters were there or not, you two still came to the game. Thank you for giving up many of your busy weekdays and weekends to make the drive down to Winona or the Cities to watch me play. Connor, I am going to miss listening to you cheer my name and telling me to run hard. Even though you are only two, I can still seem to pick up your voice in the crowd. Brian, this past year you have been so supportive and encouraging of everything that I do, that I don’t even know how to thank you. The number of hours you have driven to watch me play 90 minutes of soccer is almost crazy. No matter how bad of a mood I am in, you have always been there to pick me up and encourage me to go on. As coach told me earlier this year, love is a beautiful thing. Thank You. My dear roommates, April, Michelle and Kelli: You girls have shown me what college and friends are all about. Thank you for coming to all of the games that you could make and allowing our house to be the host of many soccer gatherings. You girls mean the world to me and I am very lucky to have met every single one of you. Coach Guinn, although I have only been able to have been coached by you for two years; you are the one coach that I will always remember. The first time I met you was during your interview to become the next head coach at SMU. I am not going to lie; you need to work on your interviewing skills. As nervous as you were though, I could tell by the way you talked about soccer and coaching, that you truly were going to be the best person for our soccer program. As our record shows, you did quite a nice job in proving me right. I have never had a coach who has been as dedicated to his players both on and off the field as you have been. You are one person that I will never forget in my life, and I will forever be grateful for having the chance to meet someone like you. Coach Halberg, if it weren’t for you I think I may have quit during my second season. Your knowledge of the game and the encouragement you gave me helped me to fight through the season and become a better player. I would like to thank you for taking on the challenge of bringing a team of girls to England. The trip was an amazing one, which has given me memories I will never forget. I can only imagine the time and effort you spent in organizing it. Thank you for all that you have done for me in my time here. To the families of Coach Guinn and Coach Halberg, I want to thank you for letting us borrow your husbands and dads both during season and during off season. I cannot thank you enough for all of the sacrifices (time, angry coaches, speeding tickets, etc.) you all have had to give up for the good of our soccer program. Coach Luzzi, I would like to thank you for all that you did you when we were head coach-less. Not only did you take on the task of getting your men’s team ready for spring practices, but you also took on the task of helping our women’s team do the same. Without you, our trip to England would have definitely not been the same. Thank you for keeping your office door open to our team and supporting our program. Trainers Kevin, Ambjor and Lisa: Thank you for dealing with my many injuries the past few years. Even though I complained about pool workouts and doing those ankle exercises that I was so bad at; I really appreciate all of the help you have given to me to slender down my pregnant looking ankles. For all of the tape, time, good conversations, and pre-wrap thank you! Seniors: Mandy and Sudds. Can you believe it? We are done after today. What a four years it has been with you two. Mandy, I have never met a person as innocent and kind as you. I am going to miss seeing you blush at just about anything; however, I am not going to miss your scary music. Together we have created quite a few memories that I will never forget; from the old village, to playing connections, to walking in the bluffs late at night, to our trip to Chicago. Sudds, I am just curious if you are going to be doing laundry tonight? I think this past year we have become better friends than we have in the past 3; I guess that is one good thing that has come out of those long van rides. You are a very smart, always right, funny, love happy, young lady. To the both of you, I am so thankful for the friendships you have given me. My fellow captains, Krmpoty, Kendra a.k.a tough guy, and JJ. Kelli, you are probably the smartest, most skilled, player I have ever met, Kendra, you are probably the most crazy, scariest, player I have ever met, and JJ, you have to be the most well-rounded person I have ever met. Not only do you save potential game-winning shots, but you also score game-winning goals. I admire all three of you girls; it is girls like you that make a team what it should be. Your leadership shown by your dedication to the sport and love of the game, shows not only in your skills, but also by the effort you bring out to each practice and game. To everyone on the team, thank you! Thank you for making my last year of SMU soccer be by far my best year. Every single one of you brings something to the team that is irreplaceable. Remember that your next few years here will fly by, and soon you will find yourself sitting at a computer, with abnormally large legs (thanks coach), writing your Senior Salute. Make memories both on and off the field that will make you as proud as I am to be apart of the SMU Women’s soccer program. I love you all very much and can’t wait to come watch you sweep the conference next year.