Matt Bohannon sends 'thanks' to Panther Nation

Editor's note: Matt Bohannon of Marion was a captain and fifth-year starting guard for the University of Northern Iowa men's basketball team, which ended its season last week in the second round of the NCAA tournament. He plans to work in finance upon completion in May of his double majors in accounting and finance.

Words will never be enough to describe what these last five years have meant to me. To put it simply, I grew up and became a man.

Sitting in the locker room in Oklahoma City after our defeat to Texas A&M, I cried not because we lost a game to get to the Sweet 16, but because a chapter in my life closed I will never get back. Most importantly, though, I was taught more about life this past season than I ever thought possible.

There is more to life than just basketball, but basketball is not just a game, in a way, it is life. There will be highs, lows and a constant fight of trying to be your best, even when others continue to doubt you. Things will never go according to plan no matter what you do. Obstacles will rise, but the best find a way to overcome.

This year we went from beating the No. 1 team in the country, North Carolina, to falling to 2-6 in Missouri Valley Conference and 10-11 overall. From the outside, all looked lost. It taught me yet another valuable lesson. You are always going to get knocked down. The real question is, are you going to get back up?

Your 2015-2016 University of Northern Iowa basketball team got back up. We showed the state of Iowa there is no measure for what is in a person's heart. Do not get me wrong, our team had talent, but our group as a whole was undersized and not as athletic as other teams in the country. (Coach Ben Jacobson always made sure I knew I was not.) In all seriousness, we showed what a true team is. We had heart, grit and belief in one another.

We became a family and that bond will never be taken away from us.

During my time at UNI, I found out what it meant to be a Panther. I made lifelong friends, built relationships with many faculty and fans and became a member of this outstanding community. Our fans are the backbone of what this program is all about. They praise in victory, sympathize in defeat, but most importantly, they care about you as an individual. As a representative of the university, all you can ask for is support from your peers and that is exactly what you get in the Cedar Valley.

To each and every one of you who crossed my path, from the bottom of my heart, all I can say is thank you.

Coaches, in particular Coach Jake, thank you for giving me a chance to pursue something I have loved to do since I was a little kid. You taught our team a person's true character is shown most in defeat, while also teaching us how to play for something larger than oneself. More than anything, however, you gave an 18-year-old all he could have ever asked for — an opportunity.

To my athletic trainer, Don Bishop (aka Bish), you are one of the greatest people I know and the best athletic trainer out there. Your selfless service and what you do for our program is as underappreciated as it gets. You have spent more time with us than anybody and I cannot thank you enough.

Kurt Warner, your mentoring and friendship is indescribable. Among many things, you taught me no matter whom you are, you can always make an impact on someone. Before the Texas game, you told our team to go out and change the perception about what UNI and Iowans represented. I think we put Panther and Iowa values on full display — we will not try to impress you, but we will outwork you. The state of Texas, and the world, heard our message loud and clear. I am proud to call you my friend.

To my girlfriend, Paige, you made me believe in me like no one else I have ever met. Having you by my side made this year all that more special and I cannot wait to see what our future holds.

Finally, to my family, you showed unwavering support and unconditional love my whole career. I have never been one to be about myself, but being able to have the Bohannon name on my jersey is something I have always cherished. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of a family that exemplifies everything you want in a son, a brother, a dad and a mom. Each and every one of you is the reason I am who I am. Thanks for being my best friends.

I am not quite sure what is next for me, but I do know one thing: these were the best five years I could have ever asked for and I am proud to have represented UNI on and off the court. Thanks for believing in me, Panther Nation.

Sincerely, 

Bo, No. 5