To all of the older brothers in the world,

First off, thank you. Thank you for absolutely everything. I used to hate you, and I used to hate having to follow in your footsteps, but look at me now. I wouldn’t be the person I am without having older brothers to toughen me up and push me around a little bit. When considering everything I learned from you two while growing up, you guys taught me to be a fighter, to be independent, and to push as hard as I can to accomplish all of my goals and dreams.

Most of all, I appreciate more than you both know the fact that I could come to you guys with tears pouring down my face when I didn’t want mom and dad to see me upset. You both were my first support system and you’ll be my last support system. Family is forever.

I remember crying over the name-calling and the teasing when I was little, but I have the toughest skin out of anyone I know thanks to you guys. Whether I was the Fed-ex of the family from "Cheaper by the Dozen" or convinced multiple times that I was adopted and mom and dad didn’t want me, I was still your little sister, and there was nothing you two could do to change that, so there. The challenges that you two put me through when I was growing up eventually built me up to be exactly who I am today.

My ultimate favorite memory while growing up is when we would injure each other… the dislocation of your elbow from your stronger older brother is a great time. Or when I flipped over handlebars and you were only concerned with the condition of your bike.

We may have argued like cats and dogs, but the phone calls I make to my two older brothers now are the ones I look forward to the most.

I always tried to come back with fire comebacks when you would call me nasty names, but it seems as if my comebacks never made any sense, so I ended making quite a fool out of myself in the process. I never was able to come up with something fire, but let’s be honest; one-upping you was harder than you think. So I'll give you that one. I'll let you be the cool older brother for a few minutes. You taught me to have a hardy appetite, and carb-loading was an every night thing.

You gave me tough skin, you injured me while we played outside; all the basic things older brothers do, you both did to me, but thank you, thank you for bringing beautiful boys around the house. I may have been in love with one of your best friends at the age of 12, but WOW, you knew how to pick them! I may have been mad when you called me out for having a crush on your best friend because you were right, but it was still a moment when my heart was shattering a little inside from embarrassment. Also, a huge thank you for telling me that all of your friends were coming over after I showered, took off my makeup, and was ready for bed, which means I was not wearing a bra. Yikes. Take me as I am, boys! I am happy for the friends that saw me at my best and have seen me at my worst. You are the real MVPs.

But most of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the people I look up to every day, and teaching me everything I will ever need to know about sports. Thank you for making me the best guys' girl this world has ever seen. I now know how to keep up and defend myself thanks to you. You have given me big shoes to fill in life, and I have high hopes of being half the person you are today. You keep me motivated and always tell me to never give up. I may have asked the universe why I was never given a sister when I was younger, but instead, I got the best brothers a girl could ask for.

Sincerely,

Little sisters everywhere!

Lou and Dom, I would not be where I am today without you. I love you Kips, and remember to always stay fierce… well, that’s what 'Yonce said, at least.