Social: Public reacts to Thea Culley’s retirement announcement with praise

Veteran Women’s National Team forward Thea Culley announced her retirement Friday and immediately the good wishes began pouring in.

Culley’s impact throughout her 12 years with the National Program was evident through the kind words shared by friends, fans, coaches, and teammates alike.

Here are some of the highlights from social media:

Instagram:

•• Repost @fieldhockeycan •• @fhc_wnt forward @theaculley calls it a career. #ThanksThea for your dedication, passion, and positivity. ❤️❤️

A photo posted by Canadian Women’s FH Team (@fhc_wnt) on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:20am PDT

#ThanksThea @theaculley for the majority of my career I’ve had the privilege of standing beside you singing the national anthem at the start of every game. Your pride and passion to play for your country was especially evident in these moments and has always inspired me. Thank you for all you have given to this team and congratulations on an amazing career! @fhc_wnt @fieldhockeycan #retirement #legend #gteam

A photo posted by Danielle Hennig (@danihennig9) on Sep 30, 2016 at 2:25pm PDT

#ThanksThea for everything you’ve contributed to the sport over the course of your career, and for embracing me as a teammate and friend from day one. Happy retirement @theaculley!

A photo posted by Beckett (@frisch30) on Sep 30, 2016 at 10:53am PDT

To an incredibly inspiring and amazing teammate @theaculley you have been the best role model, teammate, and friend I could ask for 😍😍 I miss you already but I know you’ll always be a part of this amazing team 😘#thanksThea #workworkwork

A photo posted by Steph Norlander (@stephnorlander) on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:30am PDT

An incredible player, teammate & role model. #Thanksthea for representing our program & country so well. Wishing you all the best in your new life chapter ❤️🍁❤️ @fhc_wnt

A photo posted by Hannah Haughn (@haughn13) on Sep 30, 2016 at 9:14am PDT

Congrats @theaculley on such a dedicated and passionate career. @fieldhockeycan @fhc_wnt will miss your head bands, laugh, leadership and hard work. #ThanksThea

A photo posted by Ali Baggott (@alilee05) on Sep 30, 2016 at 3:47pm PDT

Twitter:

CDNs can ask no more of athletes other than to serve as role models + make a difference off field + fully commit on field. 🇨🇦 @theaculley 💯 https://t.co/idmpi91kAg

— Jeff Sauvé (@jeff_sauve) September 30, 2016

So glad the kids and I got to see you play. Congrats on an amazing career!! The future is fun buddy!! @theaculley https://t.co/u3OHoLiaHr

— Jeff Butcher (@jtbchunk) October 1, 2016

Congratulations @theaculley on an outstanding career! https://t.co/Tu9BW0mP2P

— Susan Dodge (@Dodge_Susan) October 3, 2016

Congrats @theaculley on your great career! You are an inspiration on and off the field. We wish you all the best in the future! #ThanksThea https://t.co/A81kS8jF8Q

— Field Hockey BC (@FieldHockeyBC) September 30, 2016

@theaculley tireless activity on the pitch was always a huge asset for @FHC_WNT https://t.co/OyIo5yY3Fe

— Yan Huckendubler (@yhucken) September 30, 2016

Facebook:

Culley also shared her thoughts after having a chance to see all the messages:

Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last 10 years while I competed for Canada and the 8 years before that while I chased my dreams in sport. I am a reflection of your belief in me. I have learned more about myself than I ever thought possible and I know that, because of my experiences in sport, I will continue to learn, grow and evolve. This has been the toughest and most emotional decision of my life so far but I am excited to see where life takes me next. #Thanks

A photo posted by Thea Culley (@theaculley) on Sep 30, 2016 at 6:35pm PDT