Thursday, February 10, 2011

Senior Night for Basketball

What an amazing night for JESSICA and LUCY!

It all started at half-time.  Jessica and Lucy were honored at half time.  I knew I was a goner when I started crying while listening to Lucy's remarks.  Then came Jessica.   This is what was announced:

Favorite Sport Memory:  
My favorite memory while playing basketball would have be the Western game of my junior year.  We were down by one with five seconds on the clock. We had possession of the ball and it was passed to me at the free-throw line.  I was just about to shoot it when I saw Lucy cut to the block. I quickly passed it to her and she had an easy lay-up scoring the winning shot. We were both so happy in that moment, jumping and hugging each other, I never want to forget it.
My favorite memory with the team is of course our weekend get-away at the Bryant’s lake house. I loved sitting by the fire watching Disney movies with my team, drinking the most amazing hot chocolate you could ever imagine, and staying up late laughing and talking.  We grow so close over those few days and really come together not only as a team, but as friends.  
Most Influential Adult In Your Life: 
My parents win this one hands down.  They have always been there for me and have supported me every step of the way.  In fact, I probably wouldn’t be playing basketball today if it weren’t for their encouragement and determination to get me to try out in the first place.  They have invested so much of their time and energy coming to all of my games and taking stats for my team.  My mom, as many of you know, makes these little buttons of me and even though they are pretty embarrassing at times, I love them because they show me how much she loves and supports me.  My dad on the other hand is a little more subtle.  He always gives me a pre-game pep talk to pump me up and get me ready to play.  I have begun looking forward to this daddy-daughter time and always feel more prepared and ready to play after them.  I love my parents so much, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.  Thank you mom and dad, you are the best!!!
Plans After High School:
I plan to go to college at BYU where I will study and major in Psychology or Special Education.  
Parting Words To Underclassmen:   Play everyday like it is your last.  Give all you have to give so that when you leave, you have no regrets. It goes by so fast and before you know it it’s all over.  Some of my best memories of high school have been with all of you and I just want you to know that it has meant the world to me.  I love all of you and can’t wait to come back next year and see you.  Play your heart out and never give up no matter what is thrown your way. I’ve had my fair share of injuries and setbacks, but I never let them hold me back. You have so much potential to be the best as long as you do it together.  Be there for your your team because they are the ones who will always have your back. You all have become some of my closest friends.  I love you and will miss you more than you will ever know. 
Words from Parents:  Dearest Jessica,

It has been an amazing 5 years since you started playing basketball in 8th grade. Back in middle school, you were probably the last person off the bench to play in a game if you played at all. You felt like quitting many times but you stuck with it and look where you are today. You have learned many other lessons in life while playing basketball that have made you a better person. You have learned to work hard and give your best effort every single day. You have learned to overcome challenges and be tough in difficult-competitive situations. You have learned the importance of being a team player, learned to lead by example, treating others with respect, while giving encouragement along the way. Most of all you have learned that you can do anything that you put your mind to if you give it the effort, have the passion, and trust in God and yourself. This will give you confidence in the future in anything you pursue.

We are so very proud of you, the good decisions you make each day, the positive influence you have on our family and others.  Our wish is that you will continue to share your beautiful smile every day, even in difficult circumstances that surely will come. Be grateful for the many blessings in life you enjoy, remember and live the values you have learned, and continue to raise the bar for yourself.  You are such a wonderful daughter.  We love you so much and will always be there for you.

Love from Mom & Dad

After the game, the team hosted a reception for the two seniors, JESSICA LOWE and LUCY GIBSON.  Both have been playing ball since 8th grade (Lucy even longer).

coming into the reception with Robert and Marissa
Coach Grimm presenting Locker room stools


Seniors:  Lucy Gibson and Jessica Lowe
Jessica with her parents




Jessica's senior poster







We love you Jessica!








The team had pictures of them, streamers, cake and drinks.  They had a present from all the parents - a framed pictures that all the girls signed (on the matt).  The coaches gave each of the girls a locker room stool. 


There were speeches and congratulations.  There were tears of joy and admiration!  

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Quote for the Day

"Happiness is found along the way ...
... not at the end of the road.
- Cowabunga Bay (7/30/10)