Thank you for these four years

Albany was just supposed to be a pit stop.

My original plan was to visit my best friend, hang out for a little while and then head home to South Carolina to figure out my next career move. God saw fit for that next move to be here and for four years I’ve had the pleasure of creating memories in the Good Life City.

That time has come to an end and as I move on to the Orlando Sentinel next week. The slight anxiety I feel about starting over and covering something new is alleviated by the fact that my time here has prepared me for this new opportunity.

While I’m heading to Tallahassee to cover Florida State athletics, I’ll remember my first college beat in Albany State quite fondly.

I am grateful for women like Sherie Gordon, Lea Henry and April Emory for being the example of what women in athletics can truly accomplish.

I enjoyed hanging out and interviewing former coaches Dan Land and Michael Moore and learning a little bit of ASU history while getting quotes for my stories.

I’ve had fun watching Robert Skinner and Scot Hemmings’ teams bring home SIAC titles and am hopeful Gabe Giardina will do the same in two weeks.

And I’m especially thankful The Albany Herald gave me the opportunity to meet all of these people.

So, thank you to every coach that picked up the phone to report scores no matter the hour.

Thank you to every tailgater at Albany State’s homecoming that found it in their heart to fix me a plate.

Thank you to every custodian who left the lights on as I feverishly pounded out the rest of my story on deadline.

Most importantly, thank you South Georgia for allowing me to tell your stories.