06/11/2023
Today we send out into the world six exceptional young women: Julia Williams, Clare Willson, Mikayla Simones, Anna Theis, Lily Jacobs, and Maggie Kocon.
It is probably safe to say that no other group has endured as much turmoil as this one. They went through a global pandemic, institutional upheaval, and the unspeakable loss of what should have been a 7th young lady in this picture, classmate and teammate and friend Camille Berns.
They also built new memories and new bonds with each other and with the underclassmen - playing beach soccer in Duluth, Street Soccer on the tennis court, foot golfing, Homecoming dinner at the Simones', and so much more. Some were brave enough to come back after taking needed time off, some brave enough to pick up a brand new sport as a senior in high school. They took care of themselves and took care of each other and took care of those around them as few others have...or have been called to.
They also continued the high standards of the program, notching yet another USC Team Ethics Platinum Award as well as a USC Team Academic Award and MSHSL Academic Champions Gold Award. No other team in Minnesota swept those honors.
Now they leave us to head to North Dakota, Illinois, Michigan, Texas and St. Paul. But whether they played one year or two or three - they are now, forever and always part of our Ohana. We are what we are, we are who we are, because these six kept the fire burning through some of our darkest hours, and passed it on.
As Bilbo sings when leaving the Shire for Rivendell:
The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
May our paths and errands meet again, and until then...Godspeed, ladies.