On June 29, MVC Head Coach Tami Hedrick unveiled the 2017-2018 calendar to the team. As a candidate for the cover, I had family and friends anxiously waiting for this day! I was calm, because I didn't have an ounce of expectation that I would be on the cover of the calendar. Instead, I was excited to cheer for my fellow team-mate, who would be this year's cover model. Being a 7th-year MVC and a 5th-year veteran captain was MORE than enough for me. That's why when Tami unveiled the calendar to show three models on the cover, I did a double take (or two) before I realized, 'Am I really looking at myself? On the cover?' I was in shock – the type of shock, you only really think you see in a cartoon: chin down to the floor, staring in disbelief. To be honest, I am still in shock today; being on the cover is a huge honor and one I never dreamed would happen. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing group of women who made that moment even more special with their love and support. There really are no better women than the MVC.
It is an honor to share the cover with Kayla C and Nao. I have special connections with both of these amazing ladies. Kayla C. and I were rookies together seven years ago, and I have watched her grow from a girl just out of high school into a grown and mature woman. Watching her journey has been so special to see. Kayla had a few things to say about the new calendar;
"As a 7th year veteran, I am so excited to show Vikings fans this year's 2017-2018 calendar! For the first time ever, we are featuring our home turf, US Bank Stadium, and our signature game day costumes. It also gives fans a sneak peek into the MVC locker room too! I am ecstatic to be named one of the 2017 MVC cover models. To me, being a cover model is a representation of the entire team and I could not be more grateful. MVC has taught me so many life lessons, but one in particular that stands out is value and embrace every opportunity, and this is one opportunity I will never forget."
Nao and I met in Japan when I was on tour representing the Vikings for Super Bowl XLIX. I taught a workshop for women who wanted to come to the U.S. to try out for a professional team. Nao impressed me from the beginning and told me she was coming to try out to be an MVC. Three seasons later and she is still here, and I have the pleasure of having her on my small team again this season. When asked about the calendar Nao had this to say "Making the cover this year means a lot to me and this calendar became a treasure of my life!"
These two women make me so proud.
There are those moments in life that you can try as hard as you can to put your feelings into words and never fully succeed. I think the moment the cover was unveiled was one of those moments for me!
Thank you to everyone for your unwavering support; you don't know how much that means to me and the team!
Love, Saral
