(Stefania Hristov, from Iasi, Romania, is a fifth-year senior on the Texas A&M women's tennis team. She received a bachelor's degree in human resource management from Texas A&M in August 2016 and is currently pursuing a master's degree in public administration at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.)
Thank you Aggieland,
It's hard to believe that my career as a student-athlete is about to come to an end. I remember when I was six years old and I picked up a tennis racquet for the first time, I had no idea how many great memories I would have playing tennis. I never imagined that this sport would bring so many great memories and lessons to my life experience. As I am writing this letter, I remember my recruiting visit at Texas A&M and I am not sure where five years went. One thing that I am sure about is that I wouldn't be half the person I am today without being a student-athlete at Texas A&M University. There were moments when I wanted to run away and give up on everything, but the passion for this sport, the team I had next to me, and the coaches that always pushed me, motivated me to keep going no matter what the situations were. I will forever be grateful to all people who had an impact on and off the tennis court during my time at Texas A&M: from teammates to coaches to all athletic staff to professors to my friends and family.
Thank you Howard Joffe and Mark Weaver for everything you have done for me in my years as a student-athlete at Texas A&M. I know I wasn't the easiest to coach at times, but you never gave up on me. Thank you to both of you for being great role models and always trusting me, supporting me on and off the tennis court.
Thank you Howard for giving me the opportunity to play for one of the best schools in the country. I will be forever thankful for all the life lessons you taught me and for all the great memories. I will always look up to your motivation, passion, and dedication that you put in all you do. You never stopped showing my teammates and me the value of hard work and motivation. Thank you for always being a great supporter, motivator, and problem solver.
Thank you Mark Weaver for being there for me all these five years, and giving me the opportunity to compete with the Aggies for an extra season. Thank you for keeping me motivated in times when I wanted to give up and showing me there is much more to that. Thank you for always showing professionalism, dedication, and hard work every single practice and every single match. You've been nothing but one of the greatest supporters and motivators on and off the tennis court during my time as a student athlete at Texas A&M.
I would like to give a big thank you to all my teammates that were part of my five year journey as a student athlete at Texas A&M. After all this time I learned that being an athlete means much more than getting in front of the crowd and performing. How much talent you have as an individual matters, but what matters even more is how you get along with the people who are right alongside throughout the seasons. I was lucky and fortunate to be part of some of the best teams at Texas A&M. Without the constant support, motivation, and compassion from each of my teammates I wouldn't be the person I am today. I will always remember all the good and less good moments, all the life lessons, all the matches, all the happiness and all the sorrow we've experienced together at different times. Thank you for always being there for me and showing me support and love during my best and my worst moments. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better teammate and how to be part of a team. There is no greater inspiration and motivation than walking into every practice and match having a group of girls who were willing to work and fight as hard as they can to achieve the best.
I would also like to thank my fitness trainers, Monty Gibson and Tom Milroy, for always pushing me and helping me prevent and overcome injuries. Thank you Matt, Erin, Becca, Jordan, Melissa, and Rachel for always healing "my wounds" and help me rehab my injuries. You all were a great support off the tennis court, in the training room and in the weight room.
I would like to thank all the professors that were part of my academic journey at Texas A&M. All your understanding and encouragement in class helped me perform better on the tennis court and be more successful. I was fortunate to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Development and in the fall of 2016 admitted in the Master's program at Bush School of Government and Public Service, where I continued focusing on Public Management and Human Resource Management.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my extended family for always being there for me, no matter the situation. Thank you for your unconditional support, motivation, and love along the way, and during these years. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't have the support system I have. In the end there are not enough words to thank all the people that helped me become a better person and shape in the person I am today.
In the end I will always remember and cherish all the traditions, people and places that made my journey at Texas A&M University unforgettable.
Thanks and gig'em,
Stef