While I made several brothers during my time at Lindenwood, I choose Kyle to be my Best Man for a few reasons. From day one at Lindenwood until we graduated together five years later, he never let me get into trouble by myself. Connected by the hip, people around campus thought it was weird to see one of us without the other. He's had my back WHENEVER I needed him and propelled me forward academically and athletically to levels I never expected of myself. I never competed against anyone as hard as I did against him, and he probably never even knew it! I would run through a brick wall on the court or weight room if it gave me a competitive advantage against him in volleyball, in the healthiest way possible... Without him knowing he convinced me to pressure a master's degree instead of taking blow-off classes our redshirt fifth year. You could even make the argument he's the reason Alicia and I became as close as we did! Going into our fifth year, he had the idea to press the overbearing University on student-athletes not being allowed to live off-campus and made a case for him and myself the privilege to do so as grad students and athletes. Successful, we used our new off-campus home as a safe place, for like-minds to congregate for celebration, sharing of ideas, building a culture of camaraderie, and growing relationships. Long Live Sherborn. When I lived in Greece and wanted nothing more than to come home, he was there to remind me how cool it was to be doing what I was doing. Little words of encouragement got me through one day at a time and pushed me to come out the other side better than where I started, similar to our entire experience in college. No matter how far apart we live, I have his back and he has mine.

Another Brother from LU, Tim was ALWAYS our team captain on and off the court, and one of my best mates. We lived together for three years, and in that time we witnessed each other at our best, and moments only cured by dimmed lights, hammock chairs, and Gatorade. Tim was a dude everyone looked up to as a leader, he was the voice of reason, the guy our parents felt comfortable leaving their kids with. While he never had any homework, he certainly passed words of encouragement to us less fortunate. At an early point in our college career, Tim decided to fall in love with a girl from Panama City Beach Spring Break in like 2011. Well, thank God he did...since I had the privilege of living with Tim for so long I got to witness their relationship grow into what I would go on to hold as a model of what a relationship should look like. I could go to either one of them for advice whenever needed and they were genuinely damn pleasure to be around. Couldn't be happier to have Tim as a true brother and Liz as a long-lost sister. #TeamTim though, don't let it go to your head, Liz.

Oh boy, what to say about Scotty? The first thing that comes to mind is might be the funniest person you'll ever meet. Or maybe, most likely to sneak backstage at a music festival and end up singing a duet with the headliner. Or most likely to get filmed picking a fight with a kangaroo. Or most likely to show up in your living room unannounced/uninvited. Or most likely to hide the tv remote from you. Or most likely to hide his keys from himself in the wall of someone else's house. There are endless things that you would never expect nor be surprised to hear about from Scott in a Sunday morning debriefing. However, you can always expect him to walk into a room and brighten everyone's day. He's a thought-less giver and huge kid with a heart bigger than his body.

Another one of LU's finest. Corebear is a rock of a human, a selfless individual you can rely on in a variety of situations. Well, almost anything, I would not go to him for help with my remedial English assignments, jousting at the volleyball net, or evading the St. Charles Police BUT anything else, he's your guy. Cory was my freshmen year roommate. We took on life away from our parents, helping each other every step of the way. He would help me with homework if I was stuck on a tricky question/just wasn't able to do it that night, and I would introduce him to what soup was, or how to peel bananas and oranges. It was a special relationship and both parties needed one-another. I'm lucky to have built friendships like his, galvanized by volleyball and sharing all the new experiences college has to offer.

Brother to the bride, my brother-in-law. I couldn't be more grateful to gain a brother like Derek. An incredibly interesting person, with unique experience and knowledge most people will never have. He's a loving dude that never does anything halfway. Seriously, you should see him absolutely send-it on a wakeboard on his first run of the summer, "warm-up" and "take it easy" aren't in the vocab. The first time I met him was when Alicia took me to his work, Sushi Confidential, he came out and gave me a big hug, and made me the Chef Special sushi roll (literally best sushi roll I've ever had until later renditions of his chef special in the years to come). I was nervous, but as I said, nothing but love. Thanks for being such a cool brother in sharing your family with me.

Kristi is my best friend, and MOH. We started club gymnastics at age 5 and have been friends ever since. As you can imagine, we’ve accumulated too many memories and inside jokes to keep track. From 20+ hrs/week of gym practice, hanging out with each others high school friends, and countless family trips, we were inseparable. We even combined our names to Kristicia Fleymann and made a rap about it (If you can even call it that). Anyone who knows Kristi, will agree when I say that she has a heart of GOLD. I’ve truly never met anyone as kind, selfless, and supportive. When I tore my ACL in college and was out all season, she flew out to MO from CA to surprise me with a fun girls weekend. She makes me laugh till I snort, always gives the best advice, and knows me better than I know myself sometimes. She’s family, and we'll always be there for each other no matter where life takes us. Friends like her don’t come around everyday and I can’t imagine my wedding day (or any day for that matter) with out her by my side.

Stephers is my ultimate hype woman and partner in crime. From club gymnastics, to living together in San Francisco after college with Colin, and even going into the same profession, Steph has always been by my side and I wouldn’t want it any different on my wedding day. We called each other “soulmates” when we were younger, because we had so much in common and were always on the same page. Here we are years later, and nothing’s changed. Although some may call her “fun sized” she has the biggest heart and puts 110% into her relationships. That's something I’ve always admired about her. I’m extremely thankful for our friendship and how it’s grown over the years. From making up dances together as kids, to dancing on tables in Cabo, Europe, and San Francisco, I know I can count on her to “bust a move” on my wedding day too.

Another childhood best friend brought into my life from the early days of gymnastics. Cami and I have been friends for over 20 years now, the bond we formed at such a young age has kept our friendship alive, despite how far we live from each other. She’s always been one of the smartest and most driven individuals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, even from a young age. Cami has gone on to accomplish incredible, larger than life goals: athletically, academically, and professionally. When she sets her mind to something, consider it taken care of, and boy does she always impress! Cami motivates me more than she knows - to dream big and work hard. Her life motto is “moderation is for cowards”, and nothing describes her better. She’s thoughtful, hilarious, and has the best vocabulary, hands down. Everyone needs a Cami in their life and I’m so lucky to call her my best friend and bridesmaid!

Kat is the big sister I never had and the cousin I always looked up to. From copying everything she did when we were younger, to her giving me my first drink (sorry, Mom), we’ve now become close family members and even closer friends. Kat has always been a role model for me, leading by example - showing me how to be a successful, independent woman. Whether it was advice on boys, school, friendships, or family, I’ve always valued her worlds of wisdom and encouragement. I’m grateful for the laughs, and memories we’ve shared over the years, and look forward to many more to come! I’m so thankful to have had such an amazing role model growing up, and couldn’t say “I do” without her standing by my side!

Thank you Lindenwood Gymnastics for bringing Court-sport into my life. It’s pretty cool when you get along with your college teammates, but even cooler when they become a life-long friend. Courtney is one of the first girls I instantly clicked with when I moved across the country for college. Despite the “unknown”, it was a settling feeling to have met someone who felt like a long lost sister. From the ugly face contests on bus rides, to deep convos in the dorms, and dancing out at Main Street, we never left each other hanging. Courtney is the type of person that people gravitate toward. I know I can always go to her for advice, a good laugh, or just a shoulder to lean on. She’s one of the coolest people I know, and I’m so thankful to have spent our college years together. I couldn’t imagine college, life, or my wedding day without her.

Where would I be without Katie Lou? Another best friend from Lindenwood Gymnastics. She’s truly one of a kind. I know people say that often, but it’s especially true for Katie. She’s a best friend, sista from another mista, and the little devil on my shoulder. In college, she always told us, “money is made to be spent”, and reminded us to live everyday to the fullest. She’s one of the funniest and most entertaining people I know, and I’m so glad I have her in my life. She gave me her bed when I had knee surgery and couldn’t crawl into my top bunk, spent a summer in CA with my family, and arguably knows mine and Colin’s relationship better than anyone. Colin mentioned the lake house trip, and Sherborn being where our love story began and Katie was my wing woman through it all. She’s not just my friend, but one of Colin’s good friends as well. So DUH, of course she’s my bridesmaid!

Thank you Colin (and Mr. and Mrs. Hackworth of course) for giving me such an amazing sister in law! I feel extremely lucky to have gained such a kind, talented, and hilarious sister. Abby lives in Ohio where Colin grew up, and is also engaged to be married in June 2021! Over the past 6+ years Colin and I have been together, I’ve felt extremely welcomed and loved by Abby. From celebrating her 21st birthday together, to my first Hilton Head vacation with the Hackworths, and Christmas holidays shooting guns and playing games, we’ve already shared some amazing memories. I’m SO excited for the countless memories we’ll make on our wedding days, and through the rest of our lives. Thanks for standing up there with me, sis!