Starting college my freshman year I was exhilarated, it was my chance to start fresh. I got to be whoever I wanted, let my true self shine, and meet amazing people. But despite all of that excitement I was completely terrified.

What if people in college didn't like the "real me"?

What if I didn't like it here?

What if I didn't make any friends...?

What if it's horrible?

And coming in as a student athlete both helped ease those fears and added a whole slew of new ones to the mix. Let's just say I was STRESSED.

But all of those fears, rational or not, were eased when I met the most amazing friends I could have dreamed of.

Walking into preseason freshman year as a puny little blonde from 3,000 miles away I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know if I was prepared for the athletics I was jumping into, and I was even less sure if I was prepared for meeting new people. But when I was introduced to the seniors on the team that first day, I had a feeling everything was going to be okay.

And I was right.

You guys joked, and still do, that I was a pain in the neck freshman who wouldn't leave you alone. But you immediately took my under your wings and made me feel like I belonged here. When preseason kicked my ass and I felt like I was failing at the sport I loved you held me while I cried and reminded me that I was there for a reason. You lifted my spirits and refused to let me drop my head or give up. You never judged me or saw me as weak for breaking down so many times those two weeks, instead you helped me put myself back together each night so I could be stronger the next day.

And your friendship didn't end when preseason did.

All year you pulled me out of my shell and pushed me to be social. Hiding in my room was not an option with you around.

By the end of the year I had spent more nights on your couch than I had in my own room, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. No other year has been able to compare to the amazing memories we made that year.

When it finally hit me that you were graduating and leaving me behind in May, I was terrified all over again. You guys were everything. My entire college experience freshman year consisted of memories and adventures with you guys. What was I supposed to do without you? How was I supposed to survive?

But, once again, you eased my fears and reminded me that I would be okay. You knew I would get closer with my other amazing friends and assured me that just because you were graduating didn't mean our friendships were ending.

And you kept that promise.

I'm nearing the end of my junior year now, it's been almost two full years without you, and our friendships are still rock solid.

I've made other amazing friends and great connections with people in these couple of years without you. But that doesn't lessen the strength or importance of our bond.

My college experience would be entirely different without our friendship. I would be an entirely different person without you. Your friendship has shaped the person I have become. And when I get to tell you about another accomplishment or new experience I've had at school I light up when I get the text back saying you're proud of me.

I saw how successful and amazing you were by the end of your senior year and that has given me something amazing to strive for.

You have pushed me to be a better person, a better friend, a better teammate, and a better leader.

I've made great memories these past couple of years, but none of them quite as fun as the ones from freshman year--except, of course, the memories from when you've visited!

I love you so much and don't know what I would do without you, thankfully I know I'll never have to find out.

-All my love,

Your best friend