Monday Morning Quarterback: It Was All Worth Waiting For!
- Elizabeth Angel Gardon
- 1 day ago
- 26 min read
Last night, I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of a storm.
Not the kind that quietly passes through…
but the kind that feels like it was sent to wake you up.
Wind howling like a warning.
Thunder cracking across the sky.
Rain falling hard against the windows.
For a moment, it almost felt… intentional.
Like God was speaking.
Like the angels were stirring something.
Like I wasn’t meant to sleep—but meant to listen.
So I laid there in the dark, awake…
thinking about the weekend, replaying every moment, every high and low.
A true Monday morning quarterback.
And the words that kept coming back to me…
the words my Grandpa GG once wrote to me my senior year:
It Was All Worth Waiting For!
At the time, I didn’t fully understand what he meant.
But this weekend… I did.
The Storm I Didn’t Plan For
What I thought would be a simple girls weekend—just me, Ema, and her best friend up in Sandusky for a volleyball tournament—quickly turned into something else entirely.
By Friday night, I was up all night sick.
No sleep.
No strength.
Nothing left.
By Saturday morning, Ema was the one driving.
I sat in the passenger seat wrapped in a blanket, holding a pillow, just trying to make it to the gym.
And then I couldn’t even stay.
I missed almost all her matches that day.
The Miracles Inside the Storm
But while I was down… everything else kept moving.
And somehow, everything was still exactly as it should be:
Eva, playing in her first ever AAU back in Cincinnati wearing my #21 playing her heart out—smiling, shining, leading with joy
Brooks live-streaming every game for for me, under the table while Nick did the scorebook
Then Brooks creating a “Super Banana” hero drawing that now hangs proudly in my office
Elie putting in the work—two 3-hour trainings, preparing for her next chapter of her AAU journey with her first tournament starting next weekend
Nick steady as always—showing up, leading quietly, doing the work at home while I am away.
And Ema…
Handling it all.
Taking care of me.
That moment alone—watching your child become strong, capable, and compassionate enough to carry you when you can’t carry yourself…
It was it was all worth waiting for!
Legacy Isn’t Built Overnight
That night, still resting, I turned on the Wisconsin State Championships.
And there they were.
St. Catherine’s Angels.
State Champions. Again.
A program now 8–1 in state championship games.
But it wasn’t just the win.
It was how they played.
Disciplined.
Unselfish.
Connected.
Humble.
The same way it’s always been.
Because St. Catherine’s was never just about basketball.
It was built by men like Coach John McGuire.
Carried by Coach Bob Letch.
And now led by Coach Ryan Thompson—who spent 22 years learning, serving, and honoring the program before ever leading it.
That’s what legacy looks like.
It’s not rushed.
It’s not forced.
It’s not about one person.
It’s All Worth Waiting For!
What My Grandpa GG Knew
At my Hall of Fame night, I listened to generations of players speak.
My uncle Jack Angel Angel basketball alumn, now Wisconsin State Hall of Fame coach.
Another legacy player now in his 70s reflecting on his experience and the lifelong impact of St. Catherine's basketball program.
My brother's state championship teammate now coaching for the UW-Badgers men's basketball team and this year's Big10 Assistant Coach of the Year.
And every single one of them said the same thing:
It wasn’t about them.
It was about the program.
The crest.
The honor.
The brotherhood.
The faith in God.
My Grandpa GG knew that long before I did.
When he wrote me that letter…
He wasn’t just talking about sports.
He was talking about life.
Marquette: My Home, My Family
That same foundation led me to Marquette University.
And if St. Catherine’s built me…
Marquette became my home.
When I played soccer there, we wore shirts that said one word on the back:
FAMILY
Because that’s what we were.
And that’s still what Marquette is.
A place where:
Loyalty matters
Commitment matters
Showing up for each other matters
In a world of transfers, shortcuts, and constant change…
Marquette stands firm.
Men’s basketball.
Women’s basketball.
Programs built on development, trust, and belief in one another.
Not the easy way.
The right way.
The way that takes time.
The Way That’s All Worth Waiting For!
The Volleyball Program That Got It Right
And this weekend, even in the middle of being sick… I saw that same legacy playing out again.
Through Ema’s love for volleyball.
It was installed in her by a program built by Yoon Ha—on principles of discipline, humility, and Team First.
And carried forward by Coach Tyler Conley—who we’ve known since Ema was just a little girl dreaming of wearing a Falcon’s high school jersey… just like her cousin Julia wore as a 2019 Ohio state champion and team MVP.
This isn’t just a team.
It’s a family.
A real one.
The kind that:
Develops players the right way
Teaches accountability and love
Builds something bigger than the game
The kind you write letters about.
The kind you fight to protect.
Because you know how rare it is.
And Then There’s the Other Side
And yes… we’ve seen the opposite too.
The kind of leadership that:
Prioritizes self over team
Pushes pressure over development
Uses position for personal agendas instead of purpose
That’s not legacy.
That’s not leadership.
And that’s not what we were raised in.
Which is why, now more than ever…
We know where we belong - back at home in Wisconsin.
Sunday: Full Circle
By Sunday, I felt better.
I got to watch Ema play.
She played beautifully.
Confident. Free. Joyful.
And when we joked about pressure, she said something that stopped me:
She doesn’t feel it.
Because she knows we don’t know the sport like she does.
And she’s right.
That freedom?
That trust?
That ownership?
That’s a gift.
The Best Part of the Day
That night, me, Eva, Brooksy and Nick all piled into bed like we always do.
“This is the best part of the day,” I said.
“We made it.”
We watched The King of Kings movie about Jesus.
And as I drifted in and out of sleep, I heard Eva whisper:
“Oh, I love this one.”
It was the scene where Jesus feeds the thousands.
Multiplying what seemed like not enough…
Into more than enough.
And in that moment, I thought back to the storm that woke me.
How loud it was.
How powerful.
How impossible to ignore.
And yet… by morning, it had passed.
Leaving behind clarity.
Stillness.
Perspective.
Just like this weekend.
Final Thought
Some things in life:
Take time
Require patience
Demand faith
And ask you to trust the process even when you don’t understand it
But when they’re built the right way…
When they’re rooted in love, discipline, and purpose…
When they’re carried by people who believe in something bigger than themselves…
Maybe even carried by angels we can’t always see…
They are always worth the wait.
And maybe that’s what my Grandpa GG knew all along.
Because life will take you to unexpected places…
But love—true, steady, selfless love—will always bring you home.
And for that...
It Was All Worth Waiting For!
My Letter From Grandpa John Miller
Letter from Coach Tyler Conley to Us Parents after the First Ever Historic Under the Lights Outdoor Stadium Game - Fall 2025
Good Afternoon!
I wanted to take a moment to send out my sincere gratitude for everyone who made our Volley Under the Lights event so special. It truly takes a whole community effort to pull off events like this and our community did it and did it BIG!
The Cincinnati volleyball community is one of the most special in the country and on Saturday we showed just why that is!
If you were not able to make it, I encourage you to check out our social media pages as they are filled with pictures and videos from the event. Below is a recap of all of our events!
I would also like to pass along the final 3 special events that Fenwick Volleyball has planned this year. We depend on our community to help spread the word on these events so as always we appreciate your support and helping us make these events great!
Recap:
WOW!! WHAT A NIGHT!! What a community!!
Volley Under the Lights 2025 didn’t go off without any bumps, but the night was perfect because it was God’s plan!
This whole event would not have been possible without our community. From our parents, to our alumni, to our students, to our feeder schools, to our vendors, to our opponents, everyone had a hand in making this event incredible and allowing us to showcase all the great things that Bishop Fenwick High School has to offer.
This whole event was meant to be a celebration of our past, present, and future, and that shined through over the 24-plus hours that we were together.
Our festivities started on Friday evening, where our current team dined with past champions, and two great captains, Ally Beck (’10) and Julia Gardon (’19), gave amazing speeches about their time in the Fenwick Volleyball program and their advice to the younger generations of Falcons. 2010 head coach Yoon Ha also gave a speech on the importance of culture and being a great teammate and friend. We cannot thank you all enough for the foundation that you laid, allowing future teams to have the successes they are having and will have.
On Saturday morning, we welcomed almost 70 future Falcons to our outdoor volleyball court for a little clinic. With help from Coach Steven Hartman and Dedicated Motivated, our volleyball program was able to provide a unique experience for the future stars of our program.
The tailgating began early afternoon, and once again the community did not disappoint! With tailgates from our State Champions, our current teams, five feeder schools (Mother Teresa, St. Susanna, St. Michael, St. Margaret of York, and St. John XXIII), and the Lakota East community, the parking lots at Fenwick High School were filled with laughter, hugs, storytelling, and fellowship.
As the Freshmen warm-up began, God let us know that He had other plans for the day. As the rain began to slowly fall, our freshmen teams moved inside to play their match. Once again, our community showed up, pivoted, and made the best of this situation. The Thunderhawks and Falcons battled hard, and the weather cleared, the court was dried, and the third and deciding set was moved back outside as the Falcons prevailed 2 sets to 1 over the Thunderhawks.
Between the Freshmen and JV match, our talented Cheer Squad, led by Coach Renee Fischer, put on a performance that reenergized the crowd and showed how great our Fenwick spirit is!
Prior to the JV match beginning, Fenwick was blessed by the presence of AVP Professional and USA Olympian Miles Partain. Miles, strong in his faith, led our crowd in a wonderful pregame prayer and spent time talking about defense with our players. Thank you, Miles, for your service to our great sport!!
The JV Falcons put on a show, defeating the Thunderhawks 26–24, 25–17. The Falcons were led by huge performances from Ema Gardon, who was strong from the service line; Ava Carmel, the birthday girl leading the charge offensively; Caroline Schaefer, bringing her relentless style of defense; and Adelia Thompson and Ava Wagner, who both made impactful, game-changing plays at the net and played their most well-rounded match of the season!
After the JV match, we had the honor to welcome home our 2010 State Championship team led by Head Coach Yoon Ha and the 2019 State Championship team led by Head Coach Tyler Conley. These teams laid the foundation of excellence in our program, and it was a pleasure to recognize them on this grand stage.
Prior to the varsity match, our National Anthem was sung by senior choir member Lulu Gebhardt. Lulu did a fantastic job and was just another example of all the great things Fenwick has to offer. The pep band, led by Mr. Larry Mulligan, also added another layer that made this night so much more special. We were blessed to have both the pep band and our students on the sideline, as that added to an already incredible atmosphere.
As the clouds continued to roll in, the Varsity match began. Both teams struggled to start fast, and the first set was back and forth through the beginning part of set one. Ultimately, Lakota East seized momentum and took set one 25–17. The Falcons adjusted and went on to take set two 25–15 behind powerful serving from Caroline Hinker and Abby Keller. In set three, the Falcons jumped out to a 10–1 start and never looked back, taking the third set 25–9, with Morgan Meiring leading the way with six kills in set three. In set four, the Falcons once again started off fast behind a 9–0 run by Abby Kiser. The Falcons would finish set four 25–16 and improve their record on the season to 8–3 and still undefeated in the always tough GCL Co-Ed Conference.
After the match, our Lady Falcons ended the night by singing the fight song and ringing the victory bell with their fellow students surrounding them.
This event was built on the success of the teams that came before the 2025 edition. Volley Under the Lights does not happen without the excellence of those who came before. As the 2025 edition of the Falcons carries on through their season, they will continue to fight every day to live up to the standards that have been set before them and expand upon the legacy that is Fenwick Volleyball.
Thank you to everyone who had a hand in making this night possible. The Fenwick Community is special, the Volleyball Community is special, and just for one night, the ladies of Fenwick Volleyball were honored to be the ambassadors of our great school and our great sport!
Go Falcons!
Coach Conley
My Letter to the School's President in Response to a Request by Athletic Department for Us Parents to Give Feedback of the Historic Night
RE: Under the Lights Volleyball Night Review
Dear President Strathmann,
One year ago, I went back to my high school and had the privilege of speaking at my Athletic Hall of Fame as an inductee. (Attached is my speech.)
During the event, my children, husband, and entire family—including my grandfather (who
went to heaven this past spring)—listened not only to me but also to my fellow inductees
talk about God, Faith, Family, Community and the resounding impact of St. Catherine’s
athletics, its leadership, and the legacy programs we were a part of that shaped our lives
and led us to become the people we are today.
Growing up, I always envisioned my children would attend St. Catherine’s and play on the
same fields and in the same gym that not only myself and my siblings played on, but also
their great uncle (my mom’s brother), great-great uncle (my dad’s uncle), and great-
grandfather (my dad’s father)—who are also all inducted into the St. Catherine’s Athletic
Hall of Fame. In fact, the St. Catherine’s mascot, “The Angels,” is named after my grandfather and his brother. My maiden name is Angel.
However, God had other plans for me and my family. In 2013, my husband got a job in
Cincinnati and we relocated our two and four-year-old daughters from my hometown
where I had lived my entire life, and said our goodbyes to our family and lifelong friends.
It was extremely hard and sad for me during that time, as I was very apprehensive about
raising our children in an unfamiliar community with no family support and no friends.
We were blessed, however, that my husband’s aunt and uncle were living in West Chester at
the time of our move, and they were sending their son, Jack (junior), to Bishop Fenwick and
their daughter, Julia (7th grade), to Mother Teresa.
We ended up building a home in Lebanon, and my sadness was comforted by embracing and supporting Julia at her volleyball games. Not only did I love watching her play for Mother Teresa, but my two little girls, Ema and Elie, loved rooting for her too! She is such an impactful example to our little (now BIG) girls—truly a hero in their eyes.
We got to experience and learn about her first club volleyball tryouts in 7th grade and be a
part of her first season at Cincy Classics. The following season (her 8th grade year), she was swayed by this awesome coach, “Coach Tyler,” to switch clubs and come play for the club he was running at the time called Cincinnati Volleyball Academy... he also convinced her to come play for him at Bishop Fenwick that same year as well.
We got to know Tyler and his wife, Katie, through Julia, and I immediately felt they were just
like our family and friends back in Wisconsin. It made it easier for me to open my heart and
embrace “The Falcons”—not to ever replace “The Angels,” but gave me some hope that my
girls would have a similar community of people like I was blessed with growing up and
aspired to attend St. Catherine’s High School as a little girl growing up in Racine, WI.
Thankfully, my heart wasn’t wrong. Tyler and Katie are absolutely like the people my
husband and I grew up around in Wisconsin: dedicated to faith, family and community.
To this day, Tyler invites our youngest, Brooks (4th child – 1st grader), to play with his sons in the auxiliary gym during the Fenwick home matches. A true family man.
Yes, I have watched Tyler over the past 11 years build a legacy volleyball program like the
ones I grew up with in my hometown at St. Cat’s, where I attended all their camps and
looked up to the “big” high school athletes—praying, hoping and waiting for my time to
finally wear “The Angels” jersey and feel the pride of that name across my chest.
I recently ran across this letter from my grandpa this past spring at the time of his funeral
that he had written to me that reminded me what it means to not only be a student-athlete
within the St. Catherine’s community but also the pride and joy of an Alumni grandparent
watching his grandchild represent the Angel name on the court...my grandpa states at the
end of my letter:
“It was all worth waiting for!”
These are his words to me:
Letter from Grandpa & Grandma – March 10, 2003
Dear Elizabeth,
WOW. What a great four years for me of watching you perform on the courts and fields. It
was exciting and delightful and made me proud. You gave 100% every time you played.
I hope your leadership qualities, your moral character, and good judgment to do what is
right for you and others will always be important. You are a great model for your sisters and
teammates. I hope they follow your example.
Your parents should be proud of their hard work too, especially of the fine young woman
you’ve become. One sport to go in your fine senior year. Let’s make it your best yet, and go
out in a blaze!
Good luck in whatever you do.
God Bless & watch over you always, Grandpa
P.S. I couldn’t wait to see you complete the last 4 years. It was all worth waiting for!
“Ditto” Elizabeth— Grandpa said it all. We love you very much. Grandma
His words mean more to me now that they had ever before – as I now know exactly what it
means when he says:
It was all worth waiting for!
As a parent, it’s almost indescribable the the pride and joy you feel watching your child
represent their high school and if they are truly blessed, be a part of a legacy program...I
can’t imagine how it feels as a grandparent – and certainly not as a great grandparent, but
my Grandpa sure knew how it felt as he got to watch Ema, his 1st great grandchild – wear
the Fenwick jersey via the Fenwick livestream her freshman year in both volleyball and
basketball.
In one of my last conversations, I had with my grandfather this spring – I had driven 6 hours
home to be with him and my grandma – I was telling him about Ema’s freshman basketball
season and how proud I was of her making varsity and that she had a home game that
evening.
He told me right then and there to drive back to Ohio and that I was not to miss her game
that night. Of course, respecting my grandpa’s wishes – I left the nursing home right away
and drove straight to the Fenwick gym. My mom and dad were streaming the game for my
Grandpa – and I made it to the stands right before tipoff to cheer her on.
We all watched Ema have one of her best games of the season vs. Tri-Village that evening.
Grandpa was right – I was not to miss her games, and he reminded me that night of the
pride and joy it feels to watch your kid represent their high school. And, although she’s not
in “The Angels” jersey – our entire family both here in Ohio and in Wisconsin are rooting for
her in her “Falcons” jersey beaming with pride and joy as she represents her school and
community on both the volleyball and basketball courts.
Not only does Ema model the Falcon mission as a student-athlete – she also volunteers at
many student ambassador events and hosts potential new Fenwick Falcons for shadow
days. She exudes that same love and passion my family has for St. Catherine’s Angels for the
Bishop Fenwick Falcons. Her passion and energy for Bishop Fenwick is not fake or phony it
truly radiates from her – because that is what has been instilled in her and that is how she’s
been raised – she knows representing your school and community is a privilege and an
honor especially when you are a student-athlete in the community. You do your very best to
uphold the values and standards of the programs you play for.
But so much credit goes to Coach Tyler who fostered and instilled that love and pride in
Ema’s heart for the Fenwick Falcons Volleyball program at a very young age, by embracing
our family and our Wisconsin values — he makes us all feel right at “home.” He even asked
me to coach Ema at CVA and introduced us to the legendary two-time Fenwick State
Champion Coach, Yoon Ha, who laid the foundation of the Fenwick Volleyball program
starting in 2007 and winning state titles in 2010 and 2013. Coach Yoon has not only been
Ema’s mentor, trainer, and coach since she was 11 years old, but he is also mine.
Both Yoon and Tyler convey what I believe in leadership, coaching, and building legacy
programs. Our values and standards completely align, and we know what it takes to create a legacy. I have seen firsthand the dedication and commitment coaches and leaders give to
their teams, players, families, and community. They are selfless, committed, honest, and
have integrity. They hold their players accountable but lead with compassion and grace.
I have seen this in Fenwick Volleyball, St. Catherine’s High School, and also experienced this in college as a member of the Marquette Women’s Soccer program. I was blessed to be a part of a legacy program that will be honored on October 18th for a 20-year reunion of
Marquette’s 1st Sweet 16 appearance in 2005. I will be back in Milwaukee that night
surrounded by my kids, my teammates who I call my sisters, and our Hall of Fame coach,
Markus Roeders – who to this day, I still text with and he continues to support me and my
family.
At Marquette, we wore FAMILY every day on the back of our shirts, because that is who we
truly are at Marquette: WE ARE FAMILY... in fact it absolutely crushed me when I learned
that morning about the loss of Marquette Lacrosse players from a drunk driver. It broke my
heart even more finding out that one of the athletes is from Springboro, OH.
You see, it’s not just putting words on a shirt or chanting Falcon Family out of the huddles—
it’s living, breathing, and showing up for your family members, not just on the good days or
when teams are winning – but through the losses, the hardships and the struggles.
It is through these battles where you learn who will show up for you when life gets hard,
and you are faced with adversity. It’s those hard times where character is built, and
overcoming life’s hardest curveballs is where champions are made.
Leaders in these legacy programs that I have been a part of embrace adversity head-on—
they don’t run away, try to hide, or cover up their battles. They teach their athletes to be
strong and courageous to face their struggles and own their mistakes.
It’s not about putting up boundaries or asking for space when adversity exists—it’s about
coming together as a team and as a community and going through it TOGETHER by living
out our TRUTH inspired by God.
Championship coaches build programs based on the foundation of HONESTY and TRUTH.
They are REAL and they are GENUINE...and their legacy will be remembered for
generations to come.
The Under the Lights Night was not a fluke—it was not luck—it was not just a coincidence.
That night was magical because of the past 13 years of Coach Tyler inspiring the youth,
embracing the community, and building on the legendary principles established by Yoon
starting in 2007, which includes TTS: Team, Teammate, Self.
I was privileged to watch the Falcon Volleyball State Championship teams be honored that
evening under the lights and to see my daughter’s dream come true of wearing her Falcon
jersey #36 with pride and sharing in that special moment with her cousin, coaches,
teammates, family and friends.
She swears it was because Coach Yoon was sitting right behind her on the court and “she
didn’t want to mess up for Yoon”...but I know in my heart she had a little extra pep in her
step that night because she has been a part of this incredible legacy-building journey since
she was 4 years old—and she knows the pride and joy it means to wear a Falcon volleyball
jersey...she wanted to represent it to the best of her ability – and she did.
Ema watched Julia win state in 2019, she has been playing volleyball since she was 8 ...and
it is finally NOW her turn to embody the program.
But she knows these legacy programs are NOT built on individuals—they are built by
selfless people who surrender everything for the greater good of others and the team.
Julia, her cousin and role model, was the 2019 state champion team captain and tournament MVP—she taught Ema that leadership and being named captain is awarded through humility, kindness, honesty, and complete selflessness to the team.
It’s players like Julia and coaches like Tyler, Yoon and Markus Roeders that legendary
programs exist—and their legacy will withstand the test of time. These programs know what it takes to win state titles (or Sweet 16’s) and bring them home to their communities. They know it’s so much bigger than any individual.
It’s a collective movement by anyone willing to buy in to the standards, the culture, the ethics, and the codes of conduct set forth by leadership. Tyler has us parents and our daughters sign a letter every season to give our commitment to the program and we do it with pride and appreciation that our daughter made the team—it is an honor to be in the Fenwick Volleyball Program.
The program isn’t just the current players and the coaches. It’s made up of an entire
community: it’s all the players and coaches current and past, it’s the families, it’s the youth,
it’s anyone with the belief that together we can do something more—and it inspires others
to come support and root for these athletes who live out their faith in God with honor,
integrity, honesty, truth, humility, selflessness and love.
When these guiding principles and standards are set forth by administration and leadership
in these programs, these magical moments like the Under the Lights Night Game and state
championships do not just happen once in a lifetime—they happen year after year: it is no
longer the program’s expectations, but it becomes the norm – and that is how legacy
programs are made.
So, God bless sports for the life lessons they teach our children. God bless the influential
coaches and leaders who teach our kids these important values. And God bless Bishop
Fenwick Volleyball, who gave my daughter Ema and our family (including my parents who
drove in from WI and my grandpa who was watching over from above) the most incredible
night I have ever truly been a part of in high school girls’ sports.
President Strathmann, thank you for that evening and Coach Tyler, thank you for giving our
FAMILY another FAMILY down here in Ohio to come “home” to.
God Bless,
Elizabeth Gardon
Mom of Ema Gardon #36 Junior Varsity Team Captain
Attached Hall of Fame Speech to the President's Letter
Let God Be Your Guide.
St. Catherine's Athletic Hall of Fame Speech October 19, 2025
Thank you so much for this award. It’s an honor to be up here with these amazing athletes...one who I’m even blessed to call FAMILY. Congrats to you, Uncle Jack – I’m so proud of you and honored to be your niece.
I’m not much of a speech giver – in fact, growing up public speaking was always a fear of mine. When Gabby told me that I would have to give a speech today - I actually had a flashback to a college speech class – and how my voice would quivery and shake every time I had to give a speech in front of the class.
So, I never envisioned myself having to give a speech like this or aspired for this opportunity. But, then when I actually got to thinking about it – it would be the first time in my life that my four kids would be required to actually listen to me!
So, I thought I would take it! Nick, please make sure Ema has her air
pods out! Thanks!
Gardon kids – if there is ANYTHING you can take away from this speech in the next 5 minutes – I want
you to know...
Let God Be Your Guide.
Grandma recently sent me a newspaper article to help me put a resume together for this ceremony. The article was published on May 10, 2003 – and it was titled Ascending Angel. The article contained highlights and accomplishments of my athletic career at St. Cat’s and how I was going on to play soccer at Marquette University after graduation. But what really stood out to me in the article – was the way the journalist went into great detail of the soccer game which essentially led to my offer from Frank Pelez, the associate head coach of Marquette women’s soccer at the time.
This journalist specifically re-capped all the elements of this very important game that really shaped the rest of my life...and kids, truth be told your lives too! If the outcome of this game was any different there’s a chance none of you would be here today – because Marquette is where I met your dad!
Here's what I remember about that game:
✓ We were playing our cross-town rival Park high school
✓ I scored the game winning goal, right at the end of the game to beat them 2-1
Here’s what I did NOT remember about that game until I read the article a few weeks ago:
✓ The weather was terrible that day – rainy, cold and very windy
✓ Due to the weather, Frank sat in his car most of the game
✓ Even though I had the game winning goal – I was disappointed coming off the field because I knew there was a chance Frank was coming to the game – but I didn’t think he showed up because I couldn’t see him
✓ To my surprise, as I walked off the field – Frank was there and saw the whole game!
✓ Right after the game, Frank offered me a recruited walk-on spot to play for him at Marquette
After reading the article 20+ years later, it hit me how big of an effect the weather played in Frank’s decision to offer me a spot at Marquette. Frank is quoted saying:
“When I came down for that game, it was very, very windy and rainy. But it was worth watching. When you have bad conditions like that, you can see how kids deal with adversity, whether they’re whining or complaining. And she wasn’t. She a tough kid, and it showed.”
I knew at the time, that goal and offer from Frank was a big moment for me, but I never really realized the magnitude of it until much later in life. In fact, I guess it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that it really hit me how the weather played such a big factor in Frank’s decision to invite me to play for Marquette.
And this is the part – I really want you kids to pay attention to...
Who do you think controls the weather?
If you said, GOD - you’re right!
I always knew, Frank’s offer and that soccer game impacted so much of the rest of my life – but I didn’t realize until a few weeks ago - that the good Lord above - was doing His part in guiding me to Marquette.
God created a cold and windy day that caused Frank to sit in his car - which allowed me to play FREE with no worries of trying to impress Frank that game. Would the outcome have been any different had the weather been nice that day? I don’t know – but my Faith tells me that God’s cold, rainy, windy weather gave me that extra push I needed to get me to Marquette.
God does that for us. He gives us signs or sometimes bad weather to help guide our way. We just need to open our hearts to Him. He not only will guide us – but He also gives us an army of Angels to protect, support, cheer, and love us – no matter the storm...His guardian angels are always there.
And, that’s what I love about sports – it not only brings us closer to God - I mean, why else would they call the last chance play THE HAIL MARY!?! But sports also teaches us to carry on even when things get tough and often times out of our control...
✓ sometimes it’s a bad injury
✓ sometimes is a bad ref
✓ sometimes it’s not making the team we were hoping to make
✓ sometimes it’s just a bad day
✓ sometimes it’s even the weather
Sports challenges us to Rise Up and prevail when things are hard. But sports also brings people together, who I believe are God’s Guardian Angels to show up and get us through our most challenging times. Whether it’s one more hill charge at Pershing Park, or one more step on the Versa Climber in the Marquette weight room. God’s Angels are there pushing us through and picking us up after we collapse.
But that relationship doesn’t end when the sports season is over, or we hang up our cleats up for the very last time...
No, God’s angels continue to carry us through life and show up for us in our darkest moments and
celebrate life’s greatest triumphs.
Trust me, I am living proof of His Angels...look around the room. Look who showed up for me. Lifelong family and friends are here – some even flying in from across the country. And it’s not just because it’s a celebration...these same people showed up for me at my darkest times.
I’ve always been extremely blessed to be surrounded by Guardian Angels.
Maybe it was my last name?
Maybe it was my high school? We are The Angels.
But for me, the person who truly instilled my Faith in God – and I know in my heart is my heavenly sent guardian angel...is my Grandma, Helen Miller. My kids call her Grandma GG. GG, is unfortunately not able to be with us today due to the awful disease of Dementia.
But thankfully, Grandpa GG is here representing her. Grandpa and Grandma GG have always been my guiding light in not only my FAITH but the example they have set for our family in commitment to each and unconditional love for everyone they meet.
I am forever blessed to have the two of them as shining examples, true Angels, of how to live out God’s Word and life to its fullest. And, to always show up for family and friends...no matter what!
Even last night Grandpa GG was at my mom’s celebrating with all his crazy great grandkids for my 40th birthday party!! I love you GP, you and GG are THE BEST!!
Grandpa and Grandma GG past down their FAITH and incredible traditions to my parents, who I also want to thank...Mom, Dad – you guys took what the GG’s exemplified – and NEXT LEVELED it for us kids!
You gave us the absolute best childhood – filled with laughter, love, happiness, and fun...maybe a little bit of yelling and of course lots and lots of carpooling to activities. But most importantly you taught us kids to be there for each other, our family, our teammates and our friends.
You two are the perfect team:
Mom as the head coach and dad doing everything, she tells him to do!
I love you both from the bottom of my heart!! Thank you for showing me, and everyone you meet, what it means to be on The Angel team.
I now have the privilege to raise 4 amazing humans, and I pray every day that I am able to instill the faith and values in my kids that my parents and grandparents instilled in me...
Ema
Elie
Eva
Brooks
You guys are my shining stars. I thank God every day that He sent me you to be your mom...
Ema – you are my steady rock. You have a calm and stable mind. You already know what it takes to win championships and close out big matches in both basketball and volleyball. You get that from your dad. Trust me, he never forgets to remind me that he only went to ONE state tournament, but he came home a champion. However, I am 0 for 6 in state tournaments. You are consistent, reliable and you aim to please! I am honored and blessed to have coached you from little on, and I know you will do great things in high school and beyond.
Elie – you have a gift to read the room and feel every situation. You have a 6th sense on and off the court. You are filled with empathy and compassion. You are kind and caring to everyone you meet...especially your little brother. I can see why you are Brooks’ favorite. I know your big heart and compassionate soul – will do incredible things!
Eva -- your big heart, infectious smile, pure joy of laughter is contagious. You are wise beyond your years and you fill my heart with so much love and pride. Your name, Evangelene means, “Good News” – and since the day you were both – you have been bringing Good News and happiness to everyone you meet. I love you with my whole heart – and I know God sent you to by my Guardian Angel forever!
Brooksy – you never stop making me laugh. Your ninja moves on the soccer field and the way you tell your teammates exactly what to do – I can already see you have a coaching spirit within you. Keep being that silly, kind, inquisitive kid that you are – you are going to do amazing things!
Nick -- Yesterday, was our 16-year Anniversary. I don’t think we had any idea what we were really getting ourselves into 16 years ago...we were young and naïve looking to start a life together and probably just wanted a party with all our family and friends.
But deep down, I knew from the day we met, you would be the prefect teammate for me...
God has definitely thrown us some curveballs – but somehow, we have managed to get through them together. And, like a good teammate you always find a way to make me better.
You are my #1 fan – even inviting half the room to come to this ceremony to cheer me on. I love you for that – and I am forever grateful we are teammates for life – raising and coaching our own team of Angels! Ok, fine Gardon’s.
In closing, if my kids are still listening, please remember this..
Let God Be Your Guide.
He will never let you down – and if you choose to follow Him – he will surround you with the most amazing angels – trust me. They are here with us today and will be with us always...
This includes one heavenly angel that has left this earth way too early. She was my childhood bestie, my first doubles partner, and neighborhood partner in crime, Kristina Prochaska. Her parents are here today representing her beautiful spirit and kind soul. I would not be here without the huge influence she had on my life and this award is dedicated to her.
Thank you, St. Catherine’s, for this nomination. I am honored and blessed to accept it – in not only Krisi’s name – but for all The Angels in my life.
Thank you all. I love you.
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