November 12, 2001

Melissa Stai

Year: Senior
Position: Defense
Height: 5-9
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Serra HS
Major: Human Biology

DIARY ARCHIVE
• November 12, 2001
• October 22, 2001
• October 15, 2001
• October 8, 2001
• October 1, 2001
• September 25, 2001
• September 17, 2001
• September 3, 2001
• August 27, 2001

It is impossible to capture the essence of the 2001 field hockey season in mere words. The season, itself, was far more incredible than what words could describe. It was a season of accomplishments, a season of adversity, a season of victories and losses; it was a season of all seasons, but most of all, it was a season that the Stanford Field Hockey Team will never fail to remember.

You can take a group of twenty athletes and only hope that they will get along well enough to overcome the typical challenges of a season and post some wins on the scoreboard as well. We did more than that. We became a family of athletes and of friends. We are all each other’s biggest fans. We look toward each other for encouragement, inspiration, support, and advice, both on and off the field. We understand each other and we deeply care for one another. Although the season has ended, we are still a team and we will always be a family.

I was recently talking to someone not affiliated with the Stanford Field Hockey Team about team dynamics. She explained that, "It would be impossible to find a team where everyone likes each other; where there is not a standout player." My response? "We are a perfect team." There is no standout player. Our team, itself, is exceptional.

Every season to follow will be nothing, but outstanding. We have set a precedent for the Stanford Field Hockey program. It is up to the returning players to carry on the tradition of being more than a team and expecting nothing but the best from everyone. This team culture paired with an excellent coaching staff will make Stanford a viable contender for a future national title.

These past four years seem almost surreal to me. Did I really play four seasons of field hockey? I feel like it was just yesterday when I was on my recruiting trip and knew, without a doubt in my mind, that Stanford was the place for me. It is amazing to think that I made it here, I survived, and that I was a part of something incredibly special. Where does the time go? It almost seems unfair that time flies by so fast. Would I have done anything differently? No. It would have been nice to have another NCAA appearance, but a couple more games would not have changed how I feel about my team, about the season or about the last four years. It is not always the games that matter; it is the "journey"! And what a journey it has been. My experience at Stanford has been life changing.

I can’t begin to explain how fortunate I have been to be a Stanford student-athlete. I have witnessed first hand the power of belief. I am here because my coach believed in me. I have experienced much success and happiness here at Stanford because my team, my friends, and my family believed in me and supported me. Stanford is also special for the incredible support given to its athletes by the school and the athletic department. Only Stanford would send its Assistant Athletic Director on a one-day trip to Boston to support the field hockey team in the NCAA Play-In game last fall. Having Earl (Koberlein) cheer for us from the sideline made the win far more memorable. I realized then the true meaning of school spirit. I have been proud and very honored to represent Stanford University as a student-athlete. I look forward to the opportunity to give back to the school that continues to offer me endless possibilities in both academics and athletics.

Stanford University Field Hockey