March 8, 2011

Thanks from Kayla

Hey Cardinal Fans!

Hopefully you guys know a little bit about the team and coaches so I’m going to take this opportunity to recognize those in this program that don’t get the attention or recognition that they deserve.

First are our practice players. These guys come to practice everyday just to play defense for the majority of the time and they have to memorize all of our scouting reports. So thanks to Paul, Austin, Brian, Chris, Leo, Ben, Sam, and those that have played in the past. Also, a special shout-out goes to the two guys that I always go against, Greg and Ilan.

Next are our managers. They do all of the dirty work, literally. They record stats, line the court, run the clock, get us water, do the laundry, decorate our lockers, help with marketing, and most importantly they play the role of team mom. So thanks to Jen and the two managers that have been part of the team longer than most of our players have, Kerry and Dorothy.

More thanks go to: Marcella, Dr. Lambert, and Dr. Safran who keep us healthy and ready to go. Lauren and Sha’rae, the two coolest interns who do the video editing, stats, and filming of all of our practices. Sarah Boruta, the most efficient video coordinator and community service organizer I’ve seen. Devan, our strength and conditioning coach, who keeps the team going physically and mentally. This guy is the real deal and he always makes sure that we give it our all no matter what we feel like. Aaron, our media guy that makes sure we are represented well and does any necessary damage control. Bud, our video guy that makes all of the promos and commercials. DeeDee, who plans all of our trips and takes care of basically everything. She’s always been there for the team and we can call her when we need help with anything. Eileen, who does the scheduling and all of the big basketball operation tasks. Ish, Freddie, Kevin, and Jimmy who fill our stomachs with energy after ever practice and before every game. The Stehr family, who are my awesome scholarship donors that have been so supportive of me. And to those that have been part of this program for some time in my four years here, thanks!

And last but not least, I’d like to take this time to recognize YOU! Seriously, without your support and generosity, this team would be nowhere. All of our fans have stayed faithful to our team through all of the ups and downs. You were there when we lost back-to-back against the LA schools my freshman year and you were there cheering us on at the Final Four every year. So thank you. It truly means more than you know and you are appreciated more than ever. I’ll always remember walking off of the bus after losing in the championship game last year, trying to hold back tears not because we had lost, but because you had waited for us at our hotel to cheer us on. At that moment, you made the team feel loved and that our hard work was not put to waste because of the result of one night.

Alright, now that I’m done with all of that mushy stuff, it’s crunch time. March Madness is here and the seniors have one last shot to bring a championship back to the Bay. I guarantee that you have invested your support in a special team.

With love and gratitude,
Kayla


9 comments:

  1. Thanks Kayla for this great post. All the best to you and the team during this post season. I hope you will take the time to enjoy each and every game as much as I enjoy watching you play.

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  2. We feel like you've been a part of our family for four years. You will be missed, above and beyond your play.

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  3. Kayla, you're AWESOME!!!

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  4. Thanks for the post Kayla. We cant go to tournament this year but there will be at least one house full of people here cheering for you. Have a great post season.

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  5. Thanks Kayla for your heartfelt thanks. It's great fun supporting you and this VERY special team. It's not really an investment being a fan, after all your team has returned much more than the stock market the last 4 years :) I value the opportunity to cheer for such awesome players and people! We fans simply want to show our support and thanks for all the hard work you put in over the entire year(s). I would like nothing better for YOU to see you and the entire enter the hotel lobby in Indy, with trophy in hand. Thanks for the great ride these past 4 years - good luck keeping it rolling!

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  6. Kayla, through all of the great players over the last four years you have remained my favorite. I love your tenacious tough defense and how you make everyone around you better. Without the concussion I have no doubt we would be undefeated. Go bring it home girlfriend!

    P.S. I'm a California girl but my folks are from Minnesota and we played Euchre too. Great game but cribbage is still my favorite.

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  7. Andrė (not anonymous)3/10/2011 11:17 PM

    Thanks so much Kayla, for everything!! And thanks for thanking us!! I love watching you play, and your generous recognition of everyone and everything that goes into making our team the best! I sure hope you bring home the trophy, but never-the-less, y/our Stanford team will always be the best in my mind. We are so spoiled! See you in the tournament, then in the "league".

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  8. Kayla . . . thank you so much for everything . . . and I mean everything! You are an amazing player and and awesome woman. Watching you play has been a wonderful experience that I will always remember!

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  9. Alright Kayla, you have brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so.... much for coming to Stanford and and bringing your best everyday. I remember watching you as a freshman in the Spokane Regional nailing threes against Maryland. Stanford and Maryland shot lights out! Stanford prevailed! You were simply amazing! Everyone was so excited, we didn't want to leave the Arena! It has been such a special time, Tampa, St Louis, San Antonio...We are such lucky Stanford basketball fans! Thanks for everything!

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