Dear Coach,

I know you were my assistant coach for only two years, but you impacted my life so much in the years you coached me. You also stayed to support me even after you had stopped coaching. To say you were just a coach is an understatement. You were a mentor and a person I looked up to. You were such a man of God and you taught me countless life lessons. You never failed at always being there for me and for the team. There was also not much more that you loved then us girls. You always referred to us as your 14 daughters and your sons 14 sisters. You gave us confidence, encouragement, motivation and endless love. Your pregame speeches would always talk to us about playing simple basketball. You never asked us to try and do more then we could.

You were always there for us and always made us laugh. When it was time for us to practice and we needed you to play you would always walk into the gym with your knee high white socks and your blue basketball shoes. Every time you made a three or someone else did you would do this hilarious dance. On Saturday game day's and early morning workouts you were always so cheery and had to have your McDonalds. Your smile was contagious. When Anna's brother passed away and we beat Voorhees the day after you were the first person to meet me out on the court and gave me a huge hug and just let me cry. When we went to Chicago you took Kennyatta to Urgent Care since she was really sick. You always put our well being before yours and we are more than thankful.

The day you told us you weren't coming back to coach anymore was a terrible day. I was so sad and kind of mad. I felt like you were leaving us, but I was so wrong. You never left us. You still came to as many games as possible and always texted us to check in. I will forever cherish those times of seeing you and receiving those texts. Last week when I found out you had passed away it completely took my breathe away. There was no way you were gone, we had just seen you at a game. I will always ask why and wonder, but I will forever cherish the memories, the smiles, the laughs and the life lessons. I only hope that I can impact lives like I know you did. We feel your love all the way from heaven and miss you greatly. You may not physically be here, but you will always be remembered and loved.

Love always,

Alison

In loving memory of Coach Simmons.