Fall has always been my favorite season, but not just because of the beautiful colors and the delicious fresh apples of Massachusetts. . For there is no place more like home than the 50 yard line. There is nothing better than being underneath those Friday night lights and nothing more inspiring than seeing a group of students become a family. As Kenny Chesney sang "I've got your number, I've got your back" I know you all will always have mine and I will always have yours. Our family does not end after graduation.
First off, I would like to thank the coaches who allowed me the chance to work with my favorite sport, despite the fact I’m too little for putting on the pads. Thank you for finding me a role and for allowing me to have the best senior football season a girl could experience.
To my teammates, I want to thank you for accepting me. Not all college football teams would react to a female the way you all did, and I appreciate being able to become part of the best group of people on campus. From those hot summer days of camp to the late night practices under the lights, we truly became a family and for that I am so grateful. For being part of this team meant the world to me.
You took me under your wings and you were there for me no matter what the situation was. We learned a ton from each other, and you always knew you had a female perspective on things when you needed them, or a tutor no matter what the hour was or subject. No matter what the score board said during game time, you knew I’d be there in my cheer uniform at a home game, proud of your accomplishments over the season, because you allowed me to see your improvements and progression as team manager.
We may have not won a million games, but you all proved to be a true team, a true family. I loved assisting at practices and watching you each progress throughout the season, getting tougher, stronger and ultimately becoming better people.
Being a recent graduate, I will not be returning to the press box, or the sideline this season, but that does not mean I will not be cheering on the team that has become a family. Keep working harder, keep going to lifts, eating healthy, and setting goals and reaching them. Listen to Coach, even when you think he may be crazy, for he just wants to see you all at your best 100% of the time. Look at him as the person who believes in you, just like I do, even though he may not make spirit goodie bags for your lockers to get you game ready and positive. You have the skills, you have the drive, now put them into play.
Thank you for the memories, for the long and sweaty doubles in August, to the late nights underneath the lights, to the brotherhood that accepted me as a sister. I’ll always remember the Football Season of 2015 and I’ll always be your #1 fan and cheerleader. Let’s Go Boys!