To the women's soccer team:
"Football" is known as the beautiful game ... I never understood what that meant until I saw the way you played this year. Having attended all but one of your home games and travelled to NC for the College Cup, I can barely express in words how amazing it was to witness your magical season.
When I look back, I remember seemingly endless good times and amazing moments. I remember the countless young soccer players who watched in awe and dreamed of suiting up for the Irish one day. I remember the die-hard local fans who made it out to every game and cheered you by name until their voices were gone. I remember a packed house against Minnesota during the coldest night I can remember, with our students going crazy for all 90-plus minutes of an overtime thriller.
Most of all, I remember how you brought the same fire to every game, how you played with genuine pride and excitement and how you lived every moment.
I have never seen a team like this before in any sport. The way you carried yourselves can not be paralleled, and the inspiration you generated can not be surpassed. During a time when we all tend to lose sight of what playing for Notre Dame is all about, you showed us that sports can still be pure.
To the coaching staff, the trainers, and the entire team:
Thanks for keeping the magic alive. Go Irish!
Daniel C. Collins
junior
Alumni Hall
Dec. 9