The 2016 Rams Reflect is the first in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of Suffolk teams have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Suffolk. 

For a complete listing of the 2016 Rams’ Reflections, click here. 

Dear Coach Glionna, 

Thank you.  

There are no combination of words that will ever describe how appreciative I am that you gave me the opportunity to chase the life I wanted. Coming to Suffolk University, was hands-down the best decision I have ever made in my life. At this astonishing institution I have lived the life I aspired to obtain. The opportunity you provided me has set the foundation for the rest of my life. 

My time at Suffolk University started at a Sam's Club in Columbus, Ohio on a hot summer day. I remember receiving a call from you while I was shopping with my parents for a coffee maker before I started my internship with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The first question you asked me on that day was "Do you think they are going to trade Umberger?" Although it caught me extremely off-guard, it calmed me simultaneously. The entire conversation ended with you telling me that you were going to give me an opportunity to become a Ram; I celebrated in that Sam's Club harder than I ever celebrated any goal in my college career (which for my teammates is probably hard to believe). All I wanted, all any hockey player wants, is an opportunity to compete and I thank you for providing me that opportunity at a university I love. 

I want to thank you for helping me develop into the man I am today. To begin, you made me a more complete hockey player. You were able to see my skill set from day one like no other coach. You believed in me and helped me build my confidence day by day. Not only did you believe in me, you helped me to be able to believe in myself. The amount of confidence I have today is a byproduct of your guidance. Secondly, you helped me understand the bigger picture. You helped me to recognize the little things in life. Whether if it was spending extra time with my teammates, studying a little longer, or skating an extra lap, your attention to the little details had a ripple effect, not only on me, but the entire team.  

When I reflect on my time at Suffolk University, I cannot help but smile. As a hockey player, there is glory in scoring a goal or blocking a shot. For me, my glory lies in the friendships I have made as a Ram. My glory is waking up every day knowing I represent a community that cares about me. I am extremely proud to be a piece of Ram Nation. 

Suffolk was not an experience for me; it was an actualization of a dream. Experience is what one gets when they do not get what they want. You and Suffolk University gave me everything I wanted and more.  

Coach, thank you for enabling me to become the person I wanted to be. Thank you for always looking out for my best interest. Finally, thank you for being a great role model.  

Thank you. 

Sincerely, 

Justin Selep