A day you thought would never come...the beginning of the end of my basketball career.
My love for the game started in the 4th grade and it has lasted for 13 years. I never would have even started playing basketball if it wasn't for my best friends dad asking my to play for Sacred Heart. But now, I wouldn't go back and change it. I never planned on playing college basketball until my freshman year of high school. Once I decided to play in college, basketball consumed my life. It was a major commitment but one that I was ready to take on.
When my journey of finding which college I would play at began, I never knew where it would take me. I made so many lifelong friends and made great progress in my game. The long process made me mentally tough and I worked to make myself physically stronger. I practiced basketball and worked out every day with the greatest boss and trainer of all time. I am biased, but she is also very badass. When I got to a point of narrowing down where I would play college basketball, Columbia College stepped into the picture. Obviously, that is where I decided to go and I also wouldn't change that decision for the world.
Being a Columbia College basketball player has taught me many life lessons and has made me into the woman I am today. It has taught me to be strong and to always be a leader. I have learned how to handle myself in many "sticky" situations. I have tried to make sure that every single day I am someone that my teammates can look up to and always count on. Basketball has taught me to be humble and that nothing comes without hard work, sweat, and tears. I've had my fair share of injuries and tough times, but I have pushed through. 
I had no idea that when I became a member of the team that they would become family. But, boy did they ever. I love them endlessly even when they get on my last nerve. That's what sisters do, right? They always have my back no matter what and know exactly how to pick me up when I am down. I have had breakups, family losses, and much more and my team never let me handle it on my own. I couldn't be more thankful and I can't wait to see what God has in store for them.
As I start my final season, I just want to thank everyone who has gotten me to where I am today because I truly couldn't have done it without you. Yes, that also is a thank you to everyone who thought I couldn't do it. Like that one high school basketball coach who said I wasn't good enough to play college basketball. I know next Tuesday will be a bittersweet moment almost as much as the last game. This is the beginning of the end of a career that I am nothing short of proud of and happy I made the journey. I love my coaches(most of them), my teammates, my family, and my supporters. In fourth grade, I was just that girl who said yes to playing without knowing it would become a huge part of my life.
Go Koalas!!!
