Family,
I was told to leave you guys with one thing, one memory, or one quote. The roller coaster ride of these past four years cannot be summed up in one quick sentence and honestly a letter still may not do the memories justice. I have always been told a simple thank you goes a long way, but you are my family. Thank you doesn’t even begin to touch on the moments that I truly am thankful for.
We joke around and laugh about our freshman year memories and how we had to truly grind out the hours of sprints, the early morning workouts and the moments of us questioning if this is really what we signed up for. This is where the family started, a bond and a legacy that will forever be associated with Upstate Women’s Soccer.
Animals, that’s what they called us. Personally, it was a perfect name, we were swinging from the roof of the bus, we were trying to put our coach’s names in a cappella song as we screamed on the top of our lungs. We actually lost it. Although it ended quickly, and ended with us running endless sprints the next day, it’s something I'll never forget. It’s moments like these that make us belly laugh endlessly when we think about how much we have grown up since.
The next year brought a new challenge, with a new team and a senior class that made us laugh and enjoy the little moments. The day Sarah got her eyes dilated, is a practice I’ll never forget. We weren’t naïve freshman anymore; we had a goal in mind and a senior class that we didn’t ever want to say goodbye too. This is when the family started; we looked at each other and realized we were in this together.
Soon we were juniors, time had flown by in the blink of an eye. We were making memories without even knowing it, just like when we went whitewater-rafting right after Sam’s birthday. Everyday brought a new memory; through disappointments and triumphs we grew together, knowing we were running out of time.
Senior year came faster then we thought and I’d do anything to freeze the moment. Our family was finally made whole. We welcomed in more sisters with open arms, and learned what it’s like to sacrifice and serve for each other. Memories are still being made and our year is not over yet, but the day to be recognized as a senior class is right before us. We may have lost a few along the way, but they are forever a part of who we are and the moments we have shared.
Seniors, and everyone else that’s been a part of this family, this team and Upstate Soccer community, I love you guys. You’ve rocked my world. You have helped me discover things about myself I never knew. You’ve helped me grow, and you’ve shown me that through darkness’s we aren’t ever alone. There aren’t enough words in the world to express how blessed I am to be apart of this team. I couldn’t have planned for these past four years and that’s the best part. Each day was a new journey, lesson, heartache, triumph, celebration and a new memory I’ll never forget. There is no way I can ever repay you guys for all that you’ve done in my life.
Upstate Women’s Soccer, for those who came before us, those who are here now and those who are yet to come, thank you. Thank you for putting on these jerseys and playing for the name on the front, playing for your teammates, serving others before yourself and taking full advantage of the blessing this opportunity has been. I am honored to be a part of a program that is built around more than just soccer, but rather a family.
Forever a Spartan,
Alexa Hone
