Our Seniors!

Meghan Albiston #11

Another season come and gone for the MSU volleyball team. This season held a special place in my heart, however, because it was my last. Over the past five years, so much has changed throughout the program. I’ve seen multiple coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, managers, and teammates all pass through this program. But one thing has remained constant; bobcat pride.

There seems to be a common thread among those who call Bozeman ‘home’. Whether it be only for four years of college or where one raises a family, this city bleeds blue and gold. I came to Bozeman for lots of reasons. Even though it may sound cliché, our community is what dragged me in, and is the reason I know I am proud to say Bozeman has been my wonderful home while attending school here.

I know I am going to miss volleyball every day. It is so hard to come to the understanding that my time as an MSU volleyball player is over. This season was truly a great stretch to be a part of. Our freshmen brought new hope and excitement to a program that has been rebuilding for a few years now. I knew this was the year things would change though. This was the year to make history. We did it!

No, we weren’t undefeated. No, we aren’t headed to Portland in a few days to vie for the title of Conference Champs. But we won more matches than I’ve seen in all my years here playing for MSU. We learned a new understanding of what it means to compete and challenge ourselves and our teammates in practice. We learned how to not only play with our opponent, but beat them.

I know this program has so much more potential and I cannot wait to see Montana State’s name ranked in the top four of our conference next year. I know we can do it, and even though I’m no longer a member of the team, I know I’m still a Bobcat and I still have that pride!

I am anxiously awaiting my departure to Fairbanks, AK in January. I begin my student/teaching experience there next semester. So many changes are transpiring in my life, and I already feel a definite void without the sport I’ve played for 16 years. I just feel so lucky to have been a part of this team and have cherished every moment. Although I’ll be miles away, I plan to still follow MSU athletics and hold a special place in my heart for the great friendships I’ve made and people who have touched my life.

I’d like to move back to Bozeman someday. I’m not sure when my path will lead me back here, but I do know there’s no place like it on earth. I’ll carry that Bobcat Pride deep in my heart wherever I end up. Thank you to all the fans, boosters, coaches, teachers, teammates (… and the list goes on) who have made my experience here as a Bobcat volleyball player so wonderful. I’ll always remember how our crowd beat anywhere else we traveled by far; I’ll always remember seeing the stands absolutely packed for cat/griz; and I’ll always remember the pride.

Jodeen Rademacher - #5

To start off this final blog I would first like to thank all of the fans who have supported the Lady Bobcats through all the good times and the bad. The fans definitely make each season a special one and we couldn’t do it without each and every one of you. Secondly I would like to thank all the girls that I have had the opportunity to play with and become a family with. I would say that I am one of the few lucky girls that get to say I have 18 plus sisters. I would have never made it without the love and support of these outstanding girls. Thirdly I would like to thank my fellow senior Meghan. I have been so lucky to get to have you as a roommate, friend, and a teammate all at the same time. You are the best and I will miss you like crazy. These last three years at Montana State have been amazing and life changing. I have met some incredible people and have made memories that will last a life time. Even though my time as a MSU volleyball player has passed, I will always bleed the colors blue and gold forever. Once a bobcat always a bobcat. GO CATS!!