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First off, I would like to thank all my teammates, past and present, who have made a difference in my life. Each one of the players have influenced some part of my career as a student and soccer player here at SMU. The concept behind playing a sport and being part of a team can be shaded by the constant talk around campus. No one can really understand what happens behind the talk unless they are there. No one can come close to feeling the emotion of being part of a team unless you’ve bled and cried through the ups and downs of the sport with 20 other people. To my teammates,, thank-you for being there with me as we fought through the downs, and celebrated the victories. The guidance of the coaching staff has been also been an influence on my career. Coach Blank, you have helped me academically and athletically, pushing me to be as good as I could be. Jeff, you have brought a new dimension to this team — thanks for being enthusiastic through it all. Sophia, thanks for helping bring the players’ perspective to the staff.
Here’s a great, big thank-you to Mom and Dad, for all the support. Of course, I have to say thanks to Ken — he’s the little Ronaldo that I love to see. You guys are the ones who made all this possible.
Soccer has helped shape my outlook on life. The team aspect has taught me to respect others – each person contributes their own part of the puzzle so that the team can succeed. Some are not as recognized for their efforts as others — but that doesn’t mean they are any less valuable. I’ve also learned to fight through the frustration that accompanies sports and life. Yes, it is just a game, but the principle behind the game is what strikes you in the present. Just breathe and do you best — right ladies?
Last, thanks to all my teachers for understanding that soccer is an important part of our lives.
This is my official goodbye to SMU's soccer program — thanks again for the support and the experience. Good luck next year!
Kristin Tryggestad
Defender
Rockford, Ill.
Major: Psychology
My four years at Saint Mary’s have been a wonderful and positive learning experience. My time spent with the women’s soccer team has been an added bonus. The lessons I have learned will prove to be beneficial in any situation I will encounter in the future. The people I have grown to know and rely on have play an important part in my growth and development as an individual. I want to express a special thanks to my family, friends and my boyfriend for supporting me unconditionally throughout the years. I’ve made it my goal to take what I’ve learned from Saint Mary’s and the soccer program, and use this knowledge to attain my future goals and aspirations.
Meredith Mufich
Midfield
Rockford, Ill.
Major: Psychology
I can’t believe this is finally the end! As I get ready to finish my soccer career at Saint Mary’s, I realize how large a role being on the soccer team has played in my personal development. Over the past four years, I have gained confidence in myself, learned to face and overcome adversity, become a better leader, and, most importantly, recognized the importance of versatility. I owe this all to being part of the soccer team here at SMU. I will definitely miss being part of such a fun group of individuals — good luck next year! I would like to take this opportunity to thank my parents for all their support from so far away — see, mom, I told you I could do it! Also, thanks to my roommates for coming to watch me play, even though they don’t understand soccer — sweep the leg, Bern! The past four years at Saint Mary’s have taught me a lot about myself and my ability to overcome challenges in life. Soccer has been a large part of my college experience, and the lessons I have learned will remain with me throughout my life. I have cultivated some close friendships and felt the connections that come from being a part of a team. As I end my career at Saint Mary’s, I would like to thank everyone who has impacted me and helped me throughout my four years here.
Erin Gibson
Defender
Fairbanks, Alaska
Major: Elec Publishing
Erin Johnson
Defender
Duluth, Minn.
Major: English Lit.
My four years at Saint Mary’s have taught me so much. From friends to teammates to teachers to coaches, I have learned more than I ever imagined. The highs and the lows that have brought us all closer together. Every year, it always seems to get better, and I know I’m going to miss it all next fall. I would like to thank everyone I’ve played with over the last four years for giving me memories I will cherish forever — from the upsets on the field (Macalester, Gustavus, Stevens Point), to the great times off. I would also like to thank Coach Blank, Jeff, Sophia and all the other coaches I have had in the past. They have always made me strive to do the very best that I can. Tank you to all the athletic trainers that have helped me keep my body from not completely falling apart. I would like to thank my mom and dad for all the support that they have given me throughout my life — I love you both very much and want you to know how much I appreciate everything you do for me. Lastly, I would like to thank my boyfriend, Charlie, for helping me hang in there through all the tough times. It’s been a great ride — thanks for everything!
Courtney Hentges
Midfield
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Major: Marketing
Saint Mary's University Women's Soccer SportsNews is compiled by Donny Nadeau • Sports Information Director