Thanks Coach | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Thanks Coach

From a former high school basketball player

154
Thanks Coach
Wallpaper Cave

Dear Coach,

I don't think you will ever realize the impact you made on my life. From the start, I knew I would be able to count on you, but I never knew how much my life would change. It's been awhile since I was your athlete but I still feel like you're my coach. Your words are forever imprinted in my heart, and I will always carry them with me throughout my journey.

I'm sure as a coach and vice principal your goal is to impact student's in a positive way but I have never experienced someone so dedicated to a team as you. I don't think many athletes get the chance to talk one on one with their coach about school, boys, drama, and the game of basketball but I was blessed enough to have that opportunity. I think besides my parents, you have seen me cry more than anyone else. You also helped me get through the adversity I was facing just by listening and offering Christ-centered advice.

My favorite thing you taught me was that basketball is not just a game, its also prepares you for life. You always joke about how you wish you had me for two more years because the two you had were not enough. Honestly, that made me feel like a hundred bucks because I felt valued as a player.

When I didn't believe in myself or had a rough game, you never gave up on me. You still trusted that in crunch time I would make the play. When someone with your leadership and authority says something like that to an athlete, it feels like there is nothing they can't do.

You taught our team that winning a game is just a small point in our lives, but there are other things besides basketball. At the time, I kind of understood your words, but I was definitely living my life as a basketball player. Basketball was a major part of who I was, and I never took a game lightly. Winning and losing felt like my whole world. Then I graduated and it was all over. At first, I was heartbroken, and I felt sad for a long time. Who was I then? Just like all of the people who were stars in high school and then hung up their jersey and lived in their glory days? Your words spoke loudly in my life as I began to feel like I was worthless now that I didn't have "basketball player" tied to my name.

When you coached me, you told me my worth is not through worldly things but through God. When we played against other teams you told us to play for God's glory and not our own. You showed us by example that using the game of basketball we can bring others to God.

This knowledge has set a foundation on how I interact with people. In the Bible, it says to strive to be more Christ-like as you go through life. You have taught me ways to do this that work I am forever thankful to have a role model like you. I wish every athlete had a coach like you in their lives. I know when I become a coach one day, I want to make an impact in someone's life just like you did in mine.

I know you tell me that you wish you had two more years with me, but I am the one who really needed the two more years with you.

With deep appreciation,

Your former athlete

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774597
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

736
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments