To my high school coach,
It's as I finish my first year of college that I think not specifically of you, but of all that you have taught me. Today, I complete my first year of being a Division I NCAA student-athlete, and I'm left standing here reliving the amazing year that has gone by, all the while understanding that it wouldn't have been possible without you.
I hold no great accolades after my freshman year of college. My performance has been average, but that is not why I write this.
I'm telling you this to thank you. Not only for the skills and knowledge of this sport specifically but for the life lessons. For teaching me to be not only a respectful athlete, but to behave like an adult, to honor and listen to my superiors, and to train not only for my own gain, but to do it for the sake of bettering those around me as well. Thank you for teaching me that as fun as a sport is, at the end of the day it's only a sport. No loss is detrimental or earth-shattering. The only thing that can come out of it is the desire to be better and the motivation to work harder. Thank you for teaching me that there is no greater feeling than weeks, months, or even years of hard work finally paying off.
Thank you for showing me that patience with others is integral, and even more so, patience with myself. Thank you for working through all ups and downs, all good moods and bad moods, and all ugly lessons with me through the years. You've taught me to walk away from a competition smiling even if I've lost, and with a stoic expression even if I've won. Thank you for never giving up not only on me but on all of your athletes.
I understand that there are times when your fellow coaches frustrate you and that your students sometimes appear to be losing their drive, but that has never stopped you from being the best coach you can be. It's because of this that I'm thanking you for being one of the greatest role models and most influential people in my life.
It's due to your lessons, whether they were ever intentional or not, that I am not (too) worried about my future. I know that regardless of how far my athletic achievements stretch, success will always be a familiar figure in my future, because I have had you to show me the path to being a respected and admirable individual, willing to work past any problem no matter the caliber.
I end this open letter with something you said to me a number of years ago that has never quite left my mind as I've worked towards my athletic, academic, and community-oriented goals:
"You're going to get a few things in life that you don't particularly deserve. But it's not how you got them that counts -- it's what you do with them that shows the world who you really are."
Thank you,
A tearful (but grateful) college athlete.
P.S. I'm sorry for all the times I whined when you told me to go on a run.
