Managers Perspectives

Good evening. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Courtney, and I have had the incredible honor of serving as a manager for Wolfpack Football for the past three years. Honestly, I don't even know where to begin when I think about how much this program and this team mean to me. Over the last three years, this program has completely changed my life. If you had talked to sophomore-year Courtney and told her about all the friendships she would make, her love for Friday night football, and that she would one day get excited about carrying water on the sidelines to guys twice her size, she would have looked at you like you were crazy. Football came into my life during my sophomore year—a year filled with challenges, uncertainty, and a lot of tears. At first, football was intimidating and completely outside of my comfort zone. But within a few short months, it became my safe place. This program gave me something I didn't know I needed—a sense of belonging. It surrounded me with people who inspired me every day through their grit, positive attitudes, hard work, perseverance, and faith. Before I knew it, I couldn't imagine my life without Wolfpack Football, and choosing to come back for the next two seasons became one of the easiest and best decisions I've ever made. To put it simply, becoming part of this program is one of the greatest blessings of my life. Even though I've never scored a touchdown or worn a football uniform, these coaches and this team have made me feel like I belong. They've given me purpose, trusted me with responsibility, and loved me far more than I ever expected. Tonight, I'd like to thank the people who made these three unforgettable years possible.

First and foremost, I want to thank God. Thank You for leading me to this program, placing these incredible people in my life, and giving me the strength, wisdom, and confidence to serve this team. Every opportunity I've had and every blessing I've received is because of You. All the glory belongs to Him.

Next, I want to thank my family. Mom and Dad, over the last eighteen years you've supported me through every dream, every opportunity, and every challenge. I still remember telling you that I was thinking about becoming a football manager and how nervous I was. You encouraged me from the very beginning, and you've never stopped.

Thank you for sacrificing so much for Thomas and me so we could pursue the goals and dreams God has placed on our hearts. Thank you for believing in us, even when we doubted ourselves. Thank you for always being in my corner and loving me unconditionally. Even on the days when I don't say it enough or don't show it well, please know that I recognize everything you've done for me. I wouldn't be the young woman standing here today without you. I love you both so much.

Now, to our coaches. Coach Bennett, thank you for trusting me enough to become part of this incredible program. Thank you for allowing me to represent Wolfpack Football for the past three years. Through this experience, I've learned how to work harder than I thought I could, serve others, and continually challenge myself to grow. I will carry the lessons I've learned from you and this program with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, Coach. To the entire coaching staff—thank you for believing in me and trusting me with responsibilities that mattered. I know these seasons require countless hours, endless energy, and tremendous sacrifice, yet every one of you consistently gave your best.

I'll never forget sharing Sour Patch Kids with Coach Fuller and Coach Stitch before games, Coach Rigler passionately yelling about...well...just about anything, laughing over the most random moments, and constantly receiving encouragement from each of you. Working alongside all of you has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I wouldn't trade those memories for anything. Thank you.

Even though she isn't here tonight, I also want to recognize Karianne Fuller. Over the past three years, Karianne has been one of the greatest mentors I've ever had. She taught me everything from never turning my back to the field to how to tape an ankle properly. But more importantly, she taught me how to care for people. She became much more than a mentor—she became a friend. Being her intern and helping throughout football season inspired me not only to pursue athletic training but also to become a kinder, stronger, and more confident person. She taught me to stand up for myself, pursue what I love, and never stop learning. She has played an enormous role in helping me prepare for the next chapter of my life, and "thank you" hardly seems like enough. Thank you, Karianne.

To my fellow managers—Kyler, Sophia, Delcina, and Cassie—thank you for everything you've done for this program. The countless hours you invested behind the scenes often went unnoticed, but your work mattered more than most people will ever realize. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to work alongside each of you. Sophia and Kyler, whatever comes next for you, I know this program will be in great hands because of your dedication and work ethic. Thank you for making these seasons so special.

And finally...To this team. You talk a lot about brotherhood, and while I may not be one of the guys in the locker room, you all became the big brothers I never had. Thank you for accepting me, encouraging me, making me laugh, and allowing me to be part of something so much bigger than myself. Watching each of you grow—not just as football players, but as young men—has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Whether it was spring camp, summer workouts, practice after school, or Friday nights under the lights, your dedication and passion inspired me every single day to give this program my very best. It has truly been a privilege to celebrate your victories, encourage you through adversity, and witness everything you've accomplished over these past three years.

I'd like to close with a quote that perfectly captures what this program means to me:

"From tailgates to hometown Friday night lights, football transcends the game itself. It is where memories are forged under stadium lights and in living rooms, where communities unite through shared traditions and collective spirit. These moments represent timeless traditions and unshakable bonds that make football more than a sport—it is the heartbeat of a community, creating connections that last long after the final whistle."

To this team...

Congratulations on becoming State Champions.

I could not be more proud of every one of you.

Thank you for letting me be part of your story.

I love you all.

Go Pack.

Former manager Courtney West - class of 2026​