Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Speech:

You guys are probably finding it a bit odd that I am standing up here right now giving a speech, but as I look back on what these past six months have meant to me, I felt it important that I share with you guys. I have played on many teams in my life: golf, soccer, travel basketball, you name it, I’ve played it. But as I compare this particular season to all others, this stands out…a lot. I’m telling you, I was not pumped for basketball going into this season, but as we began practicing I realized that with this group, there was something that made us completely different, something special about us. We go into practice day in and day out looking to make it everything fun, whether it’s cracking a joke at Parker for his grammatical errors on scouting reports or making fun of Hillary’s odd train dance she did at morp, we find ways to make this long season fun.

We have had success this season, more than anyone outside of the program thought possible. You could say it’s because we have some experience or the fact that four out of the five starters plan on playing in college, me being the one who isn’t, but I know that it is because when we step out there, all twelve of us, we are there for each other. Not to shine as individuals, but to make your sisters shine. I love the fact that Carmen gets an “and 1” and I’m throwing my fist somewhere, everyone on the court goes to attack her, and the bench is jumping in the air screaming, and if anyone doubts that they should just check out that picture that is the background on all of our phones. Last night on the way home listening to You Raise Me Up was great, it proves that we more than a team and peers, we are a family and we have been sharing some of the greatest experiences of our high school life together. I for one can’t think of any group of people that I’d rather spend these memories with. There are no other teams that we play that are like this and that is why we are so successful, and will continue to be through the post season.

You guys are all truly my family, and I love each and every one of you. Sydney, you take care of Carmen when I can’t be there; Caroline, you give me the encouragement I need to make my free throws; Kaylee, you somehow manage to lose your voice after every game because you are constantly screaming and cheering everyone on; Megan, you’ve been my best friend since you told me you were on rewind in 7th grade; Rachel, you are the mother hen of the team; Hillary, you have been my teammate since 7th grade, and you provide me with many laughs that keeps me fit; Emily, my singing buddy, I can count on you to know all Nikki Minaj and Bruno Mars songs; and Carmen, you have turned me into a body guard. And now for the seniors:

Jena, I know my freshman and I guess sophomore year I was a little shy and probably seemed like I didn’t want to talk to anyone or be here for that matter, but you always came up and talked to me. You welcomed me to this team but that is not uncommon with you. Not that the rest of us don’t like the freshman or anything, but you are always so good at welcoming all of the new-bees to the team, and that’s pretty awesome. You always go out of your way to make people feel like they are a part of the team and I love you for that. But it seems like you and I switched positions this year, me being more talkative and all, but don’t worry that’s just because I came out of my shell and you guys now see the crazy Karley. Thank you for everything in my three years on the team, if there is one thing I learned the most from you, it is to be yourself on the court and play the role that you fit, not necessarily the one that stands out the most.

Kelsey, I don’t know how you do it sometimes, but you are definitely the funniest person I have ever met. You say something under your breath, that you may not think is funny, but it always sends us to the floor. You’ll say something and then a second later we all hear “Guys please don’t tell anyone”. But sadly your jokes are not the only thing that sends me to the floor. Whenever I see someone on the team randomly move about twenty feet away from you, I know what’s going on. And every time it happens you tell people to get their noses out of their shirts so that people won’t notice. You’re hilarious Kels, and as a member of 914 you will always have a place in my heart when I go to a hotel room.

And last but not least, Whitney, there is a good chance if I played for a different team I’d probably dislike you. You are the toughest SOB I have ever met; you’re pretty much mental sometimes, like last night for example. You play with the biggest heart and I know that you every play you won’t give up until the ref blows his whistle. To be honest I don’t know how you get the ball sometimes, maybe you secretly sock someone or something, but you always end up with the ball. It’s pretty much awesome and I think you’ve taken me under your wing in the category of dirty play. I’ll run into certain situations later in life that will bring back old memories, but I’m telling you, late night car rides will never be the same. I didn’t know what you were saying that night, but your banter was hilarious and I love you girl. 914 baby.

All three of you do so much for this team in ways that I know will for sure be missed next year. I love you all so much and I wish you the best of luck with all your future endeavors, whether it’s basketball at Coastal, running Notre Dame Camps or the Mary Kate and Ashley make-up party in a couple months. You guys are all amazing people as well as basketball players. I hope this year gave you memories that will last a lifetime and I’m so thankful that I have had the opportunity to meet all of you.

It’d be an understatement to say that I love all of you guys. Everything that we have become throughout the year has been amazing and I’m so glad that I got to share it with the eleven of you. As corny as it sounds, I really would catch a grenade for all ya’ll….yeah yeah. You guys are all my sisters, and no matter where I go in life I will always remember this season. Like I said, nothing has ever compared to this experience and nothing ever will. We are a pretty special team, and I know that we all know that, but we are truly lucky and blessed. So please, let’s keep taking advantage of this gift we have and add some patches to our jacket. No one has voted us to be a ranked team this year but we don’t need that or any other recognition. We know who we are, and we all know what we are capable of, so let’s not settle for anything less than the best of us throughout the post season. Once again, good luck seniors, and this has truly been the time of my life so thank you to all of you guys, our coaches, JV and freshman, and of course our amazing fans that we have.

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