University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota's Seniors, Antoine and Dockery, Say Thanks
2/28/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Note: Minnesota's two senior players, China Antoine and Kristen Dockery, played what will likely be their final game at Williams Arena on Sunday, as the Gophers dropped a 65-51 decision versus #8/10 Michigan State. But today was a day to honor Minnesota's seniors, a grou that also includes athletic medicine intern Rachel Johnsrud and student managers Jessica Lemanski and Emily Oberlander. On the court, Antoine finished with five assists, three steals, three points, and a pair of assists, while Dockery grabbed two rebounds for the Gophers. Off the court, Antoine and Dockery recently took some time to reflect on their careers, and to express thanks to those who have impacted them along the way. Here are their essays, which ran in today's Minnesota Basketball Game Program.
Growing up, I had aspirations of playing basketball for an elite program, and I decided to do whatever it took to make it there. What I did not know was how, or where, I would end up. I had a vision of success and excellence. What I did not envision were the experiences, and the people who I would share them with. I did not expect to leave my mark in Minnesota. I had no idea that all my sacrifices and adversities would lead me to the Univ. of Minnesota, where I have achieved excellence in more ways than one. Here, I have excelled in academics, and will graduate with a degree in Recreation and Management. Here I will leave with lifelong friends that I have grown to love through the good and the bad. Here is where I have hurdled obstacles that influenced my growth as an individual. Here is where I was challenged by my coaches to achieve more than greatness. I have fought through ups and downs, which I never let stunt my growth, with the help of my family whom never let me fail. So I say thank you to my family, for always being my #1 fan. To my teammates, who have stood by me like family, thank you is not enough!! For my coaches, who gave me the opportunity to become part of tradition. I also want to give a HUGE shout-out to (Director of Athletic Medicine) Moira Novak, for putting up with me for two years! J And I can't forget our fans, who have supported us through the wins and the losses. For the past two years, Minnesota has been my cold home, and I have enjoyed the journey. And all I have left to say is.....OH, YEAAAAAAA!!!!! It's GRADUATION TIMMMEEEEEEEEEEE YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
I would like to begin by saying that I absolutely cannot believe that my four years here have gone by this quickly! It has been an experience of a lifetime and I have not only learned and grown tremendously as a person and athlete, but I've made many lifelong friendships that will continue even after my time here. I would like to thank, first and foremost, my parents for all the sacrifices that they made when I was growing up to make this dream of playing Division I basketball possible, and for their continued support throughout my entire career here. I would also like to thank Coach Borton for giving me the opportunity to play here at this university and for a program with the tradition that has been established here. Because of this opportunity, I am leaving here with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, and I've also begun working on my master's degree. I would like to thank all of the coaches who have coached me throughout the years, including: Barb Smith, Ted Riverso, Marisa Mosely, Leigh Gregory, and Curtis Loyd. All of whom have challenged me and helped shape me into the person I am today by coaching me both on and off the court. I would also like to sincerely thank all of my amazing teammates throughout the years, who have been my rock throughout this whole experience. We have been through thick and thin together and that is what has made this experience not only possible, but overall, a positive one. I would not have been able to get through much of the adversity that I've been faced with personally without the constant support and encouragement of my teammates. The next person I would like to express my gratitude for is Moira Novak, our athletic trainer, who has been there for me throughout my time here, especially early on in my career when most things were not going my way. She has served as a support system, and I am grateful for her care and patience over the years! I would like to thank Abby Kershaw, our former director of basketball operations, for making every road trip, practice, summer camp, (the list goes on and on), run smoothly and even fun because of her upbeat, energetic personality. That being said, I would like to thank Shanna Rich, as well, for stepping in and doing her best filling Abby's shoes, which were huge shoes to fill. Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank the fans for their continued support through my tenure here, and it has been incredible to play in front of the crowd in Williams Arena! I've been so blessed, and am leaving here with so many great memories and lifelong friendships, which I am incredibly grateful for!
--Kristen "Doc" Dockery
