To My Beloved Teammates,

It seems like it was just yesterday that we met, it's unbelievable to think that in a few short days my time as your captain will be up, and the good times we had will just be a memory.

Teammates are more than just the other people on your team... they're your friends, your family, your support system, the people you take your anger out on, the ones you want to tell when someone great happens, the only ones who have seen you happy, sad, angry, ecstatic, tired, sore, sweating... and they love you unconditionally.

I've been a part of a team my whole life, but never one quite as special as the girls I'm soon leaving behind.

As a captain, there's nothing you want more than a close bonded team with strong relationships, a group that respects you and your coaches, but more importantly, that has the same end goal: to do what you never thought was possible.

Remember our preseason? It seemed like the end of the season was years away, and that the baby steps we were taking everyday in the gym were nothing in comparison to the mountain we had left to climb.

I remember the exact moment we truly became a team; and no I don't mean when coach came out and read the names off the list of "top ten" and who would be lucky enough to be a part of this crazy adventure of a season.

I'm talking about the moment it became real. Sitting at our meeting during camp, we were all instructed to take a key chain. You take a key chain, you're in it for the season. I remember looking around the room and seeing my team, the first time I thought about that. That day we became a team whatever that would entail in the future... hard practices, nationals season, injuries, friendships, tears, laughter... I was ready for it because I knew no matter what, I had you all to help me.

Freshmen: The next 3 years are going to fly, I promise they are. Respect the girls above you, take what they have to say and no matter what, please, no matter what, learn anything and everything you can from your teammates and coaches because I promise they will only lead you in the right direction.

Sophomores: Next year you will be seen as upperclassmen, the ones that girls will look up to, ask questions to, and learn from - do NOT take this job lightly. Being a leader is so much more than telling people what to do, trying to get your voice heard or proving that you know more than the person next to you. Being a leader means being a role model, helping everyone inside and outside of the gym, and knowing that you, too, can also learn from those around you.

Juniors: Don't you dare think for one single second that your time as a college athlete is never ending. Take it from a girl who's one week from having that title taken from her. Enjoy every second, make it last, and never take for granted the position you are in. You ARE the leaders of this team, you are the ones who are expected to know everything, and you are the ones who the pressure is put on (in a good way). Take in every moment, don't complain about practice or one more full out even though you "feel old", and please, promise that you will enjoy every single second of your final year as a collegiate athlete.

Seniors: We made it! Even though our time together is dwindling, the bond that we made, especially over the last year, is a friendship that will never compare to any other relationship I will acquire. We've been through it all together, highs and lows, but it amazes me everyday that we made it to where we are now despite everything that was put in our way. I'm so grateful that we got to complete this journey together. Last one best one!

Captains: I couldn't be more honored or proud to pass on my role as a captain to such deserving girls. This isn't an easy job - there wasn't a day that I didn't get nervous or was scared that I couldn't live up to the team's expectations and I'm sure you'll feel the same, but that shouldn't stop you from taking honor in the position you've been given. Lead by example, take ownership for your mistakes (we all know I made a million a day), stay positive, set goals, and most importantly, remind your team how important it is to continue to have the closeness that we were able to have this past year. Congrats on your new title!!

To my entire team, thank you for a senior year that went above and beyond expectations. I've never met at team more willing to help each other out, to go the extra mile for the girl next to them. I will forever remember this year, this group of people, and every small victory we had. I cannot wait to see what amazing things each of you will accomplish in the future, in and out of the gym.

"I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, but it will be worth it. There are times it's going to be hard, there are times you're not going to want to come back, but I'm not going to be the coach of a mediocre team, I expect each and and every one of my kids to be great."