I am writing this prior to playing in the last game of my college career at Florida Gulf Coast University.

My time spent playing for FGCU Women’s Rugby Club began in the fall of 2013, just after I transferred to the school. I came to FGCU not knowing a single person, and I liked it that way. How often do you get the chance to experience something completely new, completely on your own? I was eager to meet new people, and I ended up meeting some of the greatest people I have ever known.

After being introduced to rugby by my roommate, I quickly was hooked. My first season brought me to new friends, new experiences, a new family, and new opportunities. As a rookie to the sport, I was honored to be selected with two of my teammates to represent FGCU in Chula Vista, California to train at the Olympic Training Center. This elite residency camp allowed us to learn and train among USA Olympic athletes and coaches. I will undoubtedly never forget my time there.

This season, I was blessed enough to be the voice of my team as their captain. I knew that as captain I would have more responsibility than before. I was responsible for my team’s concerns, for their worries, for their accomplishments, and to be their leader. My goal was to do just that. To be there for my teammates, to cheer for them, and to represent them when only one voice could be heard. I can only hope that I have lived up to the standards that a captain is held at, and that I have led my team in the best way possible so that they may succeed both on the field and off.

Flash forward to tomorrow. My last game as a college rugby player. It will be against the top college women’s team in the state, and it is guaranteed to be a battle. The only thing I can possibly be, looking at what’s ahead, is proud. I’m proud to have been able to put on that blue and green jersey and stood next to amazing women on the field that I know have my back. I’ve gained knowledge, strength, life skills, and most of all, family.

Thank you specifically to those of you who have made my time here unforgettable, and who have made an impact on my life more than you will ever know. I am forever grateful for the love, kindness, support, memories, and friendships you have given me. You know who you are. Thank you.

I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know what yesterday has. The moments spent on and off the pitch will be ones that I take with me for the rest of my life. I can only hope that my last tackle tomorrow will be as impactful as rugby has been on my life.