Fresno State Athletics
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A Women's Basketball Diary
The following entry comes from senior guard Chantella Perera. For a complete list of her entries, check out the side bar on the right side of the page.
Apr. 11, 2007
The Final Goodbye
There are some situations where words just cannot explain what has happened. For this case, I am going to find it very hard to put into words how amazing the last four years of my life have been. Since arriving here in December 2003, I have been on a whirlwind adventure through Fresno State. I have been able to experience the highs and lows of a college athlete's life, but more importantly I have been able to do it with some of the best people I have ever met in my life.
Some of these people included our fans, school, family, friends, support staff and coaches. I know that when we walked out on Senior Day, we wished we could have let everyone that has been part of our career and lives that we were very thankful for everything that they have done for us. I know that I can speak on behalf of my teammates when I say that we are very grateful and appreciative of all the support that everyone has given us over our careers.
We love walking out on the Save Mart Center floor and hearing the band cheering for us and then being a part of our own cheers. We love the little kids that line up to give us high fives before and after the games. We love seeing the same devoted fans come and watch us every game no matter what happens, and we love meeting the new fans that have come out and want to see what Fresno State women's basketball is all about. We love walking around school and having our fellow students and teachers acknowledge us on our work. We love being able to get on our cell phones and call our friends and family and tell them what we did today. We love going into the training room and having a fun conversation with our trainers - Kelli and Travis. Thank you for always keep us entertained and keeping our minds off all the running we had to do! We love going into the weight room (well sometimes!) with Andy, and breaking it out with a song! And lastly, we love being a part of the women's basketball team because we have the best coaches. We love that they always understood us, cared for us, and put us as people first. For that we are forever grateful and we will never forget what they have done for us.
It's hard to pinpoint what the best memory of Fresno State is. I think that when you look back, each moment was special for its own reason and they each have their own story to be remembered by. I know from my four years, some of stand out memories were driving from Fresno to Dallas to play my first college game. I remember the moment I became eligible everyone ran off the bus and jumped on me and gave me the biggest hug. That's definitely a feeling you don't forget. I remember when Nancy our trainer wet mopped the floor in the North gym before we did a sprint and we all ran down there unknowingly and fell over like dominoes! I remember after we beat Louisiana Tech for the first time in school history at the Save Mart Center, and running up to Ren and giving her hug. I remember when the girls had a singing contest on the bus, and Dre still thinking she won! I remember all the times when we just got together to watch a football game, or have a barbeque or just eat dinner together. These memories are just the tip of the iceberg of the journey and adventures we have had at Fresno State.
Although I cannot think of an exact memory that stands out the most, I have no doubt that the best part of my career at Fresno State is my team. From day one, I felt a bond between each of my teammates, whether they be freshmen or seniors. I knew from that moment, that it would take something awfully strong to break us apart. And four years later nothing proved me wrong, nothing in four years was ever strong enough to tear us apart. We went through coaching turmoil to a record breaking season to a roller coaster ride, and yet together we still stand. Everyday I am so thankful for having such a wonderful team. My teammates have become my sisters and they will forever be a part of me. One day I may forget when we beat a big team or someone hit a big shot, but I know that I will never forget the fun we all had together. The fun never stopped from the crazy bus rides, road trips on and off the court, birthday dinners, training room discussions, singing in the weight room and so much more. These things will forever be etched in my memory.
Although I am only 20 years old, I definitely know that the last four years of my life have been by far the best four years of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better place to receive my education and college basketball career from. Coming to Fresno State has exceeded all my expectations and it will forever be a part of me. Thank you to everyone for supporting this team, I have truly fallen in love with Fresno and it is going to be a very hard decision to have to leave this place and all of you wonderful people.
I know in my heart though, that I and the rest of the graduating seniors will forever hold our heads high and can proudly say that we are "Bulldog Born. Bulldog Bred. Gonna Be a Bulldog Till the Day We're Dead!"
- Tella P. #11
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