Letter: A lifetime of memories

We say goodbye, Ms. Vandersloot,

And quite a trip it’s been!

We journeyed through good times and bad

And mostly saw you win.

  

Your records bested women, men,

Mere numbers to defy,

In points put up, assists as well,

To partners standing by.

  

But then beyond your proven skills,

We saw another lass,

Whose character and grace midst trial

Spoke much of charm and class.

  

You kept your poise when well behind

Th’ opponent’s well-earned score,

Encouraged teammates in their fight

To dominate the floor.

  

And when game’s end a loss declared,

Your chin was yet held high,

No blame assessing as each gal,

To clasp your hand passed by.

  

But mostly thrills of victory

You gave us, “Twenty-one,”

We’ll not forget the joys we felt,

The rightful pride and fun.

  

So Courtney though we say “goodbye,”

You’ll ever have a place

Within our hearts, where memories

The years will not erase.

  James Vasquez

Spokane