Thank You, Bryant: Alyssa DiFiore

Bryant Athletics will feature "Thank You, Bryant" letters from senior student-athletes over the course of the next two weeks.

Dear Bryant,

I miss you a lot. Although our journey together came to an unexpected end before we were ready to say goodbye, I have many thanks to share with the school that became my home.

First, thank you, Bryant, for the incredible mentors and support system you have given me through the professors and faculty. The encouragement I have received from my professors is remarkable. Some words of advice I will always remember are from Professor Roberto. With everything going on in the world, Professor Roberto reminded his second-semester seniors to "knock with your feet." This saying signifies that when you someday return to visit those who have helped you along the way, you should be carrying so many gifts of gratitude that you cannot knock on the door with your hands, rather, you must "knock with your feet." There are so many people in the Bryant community that I am grateful for and want to repay.

Thank you, Bryant, for my team. Between the early mornings, long travel meets and post-practice Salmo dinners, we became a family. Witnessing a group of young women come together for their teammates and win the first NEC Championship title in our program's history was the most extraordinary moment I have ever been a part of. I hope that these achievements make the Bulldogs who came before us proud. Thank you for bringing incredible teammates, leaders, and coaches into my life. They have shaped me into the woman I am today, and I could not thank you enough for that.

Thank you, Bryant, for bringing me my best friends. We went from showing up at each other's townhouses unannounced every day to being spread across several states and different countries. Although we are now separated geographically, I know that no amount of distance or time will separate the bonds we have made at Bryant. We will remember the big moments together, such as historic wins against conference rivals. But we will also cherish the little moments together, such as hanging out by the pond on a sunny spring day. I know that I have my college friends for life. Thank you, Bryant, for bringing them to me.

Finally, thank you, Bryant, for the memories that will last a lifetime. The lessons I have learned both in and out of the classroom have made me a better student, athlete, and person. I could never thank this school and the Bryant community enough for allowing me the privilege of being a Bulldog. I will miss the days of seeing friendly familiar faces everywhere I went on campus. But I am thankful for the memories Bryant has given me and the people I have met along the way. I will make sure to "knock with my feet" when we reunite again. Until then, I will remember once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.

With love,

Alyssa DiFiore

Class of 2020