Badger fans,
 
It is said that in the most difficult trials in this life, we find strength we never knew we possessed. In the darkest of days we discover the deepest love, we experience the truest of miracles, and we realize the greatest humanity.
 
Growing up, I've always viewed each team I've been a part of as my "family away from home."
 
But no team has embodied this more than this year's Wisconsin women's hockey team. Our team is beyond special.
 
This team is a team full of 23 girls I refuse to refer to as anything else but my sisters.
 
We win together, we lose together, we love together, we battle together, we grieve together.
 
When you look in our stick stalls this month you see splashes of pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You see names of mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and siblings who we fight for. You see crosses and quotes and initials on the knobs of our sticks each game. You see a part of every player's story--what lies behind the Cardinal and White jerseys and the face masks. You see a part of our hearts.
 
Tonight and tomorrow, you'll see our helmets clad with the number 12. You'll see our wrists decorated with camouflage bracelets, the initials "DS" upon them.
 
Last Sunday our teammate Sophia Shaver lost her brother. The news rocked our team like we lost a brother of our own. The unimaginable happened, and to someone who deserved only the most beautiful life.
 
This week, as she is back home with her family, the Badgers have practiced with Sophia in our hearts. We are looking forward to playing for her and her brother this weekend as we take on Ohio State as we will wear Sophia's number (12) as we play to honor her and her brother.
 
The home-opening games will take place Friday night at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m.
 
Soph, if you are reading this, remember that you are stronger than you know, cared for by so many, and have a team here who thinks of you every day. We step on the ice tonight with you and your family near our souls. We miss you and love you more than you could imagine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
 
Watch out Ohio State, there's a Cardinal and White wave of strength coming your way.
 
On Wisconsin!
 
 -Baylee