MORAGA, Calif. -- At Saint Mary's, we recognize there is much to be thankful for as family and friends gather today to celebrate Thanksgiving.
So, we thought we'd share a bit of the day with everyone and give a few examples of what we're thankful for this holiday season. Here are our thanks, courtesy of our coaches, athletes and administration.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Gaels!
Mark Orr, Director of Athletics
First, I'm thankful for my health and faith in God. I'm thankful for my family, especially my beautiful wife and two children. I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve the student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, Christian Brothers, alumni and community as the Director of Athletics at Saint Mary's College. And finally, I'm thankful for the thousands of police officers, fire fighters and military service men and women who continue to risk their lives to protect us each day.
Kai Edwards, Women's Soccer head coach
I am thankful for the awesome young ladies I get to work with every day and for a top notch coaching staff.
Jessica Hanaseth-Rodgers, Softball head coach
I am thankful for the love I get from my family and friends this holiday!
Brittany Sabatini, Softball senior
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my family, friends, and good health. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to compete at Saint Mary's on the softball team while getting an incredible education. These girls have become my family over the past four years and I am thankful for them everyday. I am thankful that my grandpa is finally out of the hospital and able to join my family this year on Thanksgiving. Mostly, I am thankful that I will be forever a part of the Gael family. Go Gaels!
Adam Cooper, Men's Soccer head coach
I am very thankful for Richard Kilwien's hair, Peter Lowry's mustache, and Chris Brown's dance moves. I am thankful for my two wonderful children who continue to amaze me every day. I am thankful to work at a tremendous institution surrounded by beauty and incredible people.
Scott Hardy, Golf head coach
Thanksgiving always leads me to think about the opportunities I have in my life. Opportunity is the key to all success in life. Whether it be family, health or wealth, happiness in each begins with opportunity. I think that is what makes Saint Mary's special as well. We provide a great opportunity to learn, compete, grow, and excel in many areas of life. Coaching Saint Mary's College student athletes that are able to maximize their opportunity is a highlight for me.
Nick Sako, Golf senior
I'm thankful for my family who supports me at every twist and turn in life, my teammates who are there for me whenever I need them, and this much needed five-day break from quantitative methods!
Anna Pytlak, Rowing head coach
I'm thankful for my awesome husband and family, they're the best! In my professional life I'm thankful that Lindsey Scott-Anderson came to work with our team and that I get to be a part of such a great athletic community at Saint Mary's. I'm also especially thankful our team is made up of such a great group of hardworking athletes. Go Gaels!
Haley Adams, Rowing senior
I'm thankful for teammates who've become family, cafés with late hours, and most importantly sunshine in November!
Marty Kinsey, Cross Country head coach
For my family and SMC family. For our opponents and the opportunity to beat them. For being believed in and having the chance to create belief in others. For Stacey Nittler and her organizational skills keeping this show going and last but not least for our athletes and my staff for dealing with my insanity..... Daily.
Rob Browning, Volleyball head coach
I'm thankful for my immediate family, Michelle, Maddie and John, and for my extended family, which includes the members of our Saint Mary's Volleyball family. I am honored and privileged to associate so closely with such an amazing group of people. They are an inspiration to me.
Briana Campos, Women's Soccer senior
I will forever be thankful for my family, friends, SMC community for amazing memories and opportunities and Burt's Bees chapstick!
