"Enjoy Da Moment"

Lori Mannion

Wow! I cannot believe that I only have a few short weeks of summer left until move in day!  This is such a surreal feeling.  As I stop and think about my last three years spent at Quincy University, all the memories made and people I’ve met, I cannot help but feel a sense of pure happiness.  I remember four and a half years ago I went on a road trip with Jaclyn and Jodi for my first visit to QU my junior year of high school.  I knew from this first visit that Quincy was the place for me.  My other college visits did not even matter after that.  Since making my decision and attending QU I have met some of the greatest (and hilarious) people on the entire planet I think, and I am proud to call them my teammates.

Earlier in the summer I was hanging out with “Lady Hawk #4” alum Aimee Ubriaco and we were rehashing old memories and talking about my upcoming season as a senior.  She said something that has stuck with me throughout the whole summer.  She said to me, “Lori, this is the last time you will EVER play soccer again at this level”.  At this level.  I had never really thought about it this way but she could not have been more spot on.  I have been kicking a ball since I was 3 years old and it all comes down to one more year.  I am determined to make it my best one yet!

As a team we are expecting a lot from each other since we have a bigger target on our backs than we have ever had before.  It’s exhilarating!  We are a team full of competitors and are ready to accept the challenge with open arms.  Also, since I passed my special nursing exam that allows me to graduate on time, I get to end my four years with the people I came in with.  Such a special group.  I love this group of girls and they will forever be my sisters.  So, to my fellow seniors, here’s to one more year of greatness, making memories and having laughs along the way.  I’m going to “Enjoy Da Moment” each and every day with all of you. 

Lori Mannion

Senior Lady Hawk

The Journey Back

Sam Martinez

If someone would have told me exactly a year ago that I would have two ACL tears, I would have never believed them.  As awful as it sounds I still feel blessed that I’m coming back and being a part of this team.  It only seems right to end my final season with this senior class, considering I started my soccer career with this group of girls.  From the beginning I’ve played with Molly and Teeny on good old JB Marine and have played against Jaclyn, Lori, and Jodi, gosh knows how many times.  Then for high school, Maddie went to Lafayette’s biggest rival school, Marquette.  I guess you can say everything happens for a reason and I truly think the reason for me missing last season was for me to end my soccer career with these girls because it’s just that much more meaningful.

I’m still trying to figure out the reason though for getting hurt again in spring.  All I know right now is that I’m doing everything I can to get back to playing at a high level again.  I’m rehabbing everyday now and finally getting touches on the ball.  I’m trying to do every small thing I can to build up muscle.  I even walk around the house on my tippy toes to strengthen my calves and I do squats while I shower.  It’s silly, I know, but every small thing I can do will help.

I would just like to say too, that I wouldn’t be this motivated to get back if it wasn’t for everyone’s support.  It literally broke my heart when I tore it the second time, but my teammates, coaches, alumni, family and friends lifted me up.  So many people reached out to me and it meant the world to me.  I’m not sure on how much of the season I will be able to play.  I just know that this long road I’ve been on will all be worth it if I could just play one game, under the lights, on our home field and hear that song, “It’s a Beautiful Day”.

Sam Martinez
Senior Captain Lady Hawk