Hey Coach,
I don’t really know how to start this because I have so much to say and so much to thank you for that it’s almost impossible for me to even put it into words. But here’s my attempt to let you know that you, singlehandedly, changed the entire game for me.
Not many people get lucky enough to have a solid relationship with a coach. Coaches are usually just the people that show you the basics of the game and give you pointers on how to improve. But if you’re lucky, like I am, you get blessed with so much more than that. You get a coach who not only teaches you the basics, but teaches you the game and shows you exactly how to win. They stick with you and help your game and are probably more excited than you when you win, and madder than you when you lose. They show you how they, personally, succeeded in the game and want nothing more in the world than for you to do the same exact thing… Succeed. No matter the sport, the coach makes the game. And for me, Coach, you did just that.
In my case, it was tennis. One of the most complicated, lonely, mentally-exhausting games in the sport world. You were one of the best, one of the ones who figured out the game. And I had you as a coach… I couldn’t have had it any better. You brought out a talent I didn’t even know I had by teaching me how to play this game. And although I may think the process was hard for me, I can’t begin to imagine how hard it was for you… watching this process of ups and downs finally become the player I am now.
That being said, I feel the need to thank you. Thank you for putting up with the ups and downs throughout the process of creating my game together. There were the times I played amazing, and it seemed like we were finally getting somewhere. And right when I got off court from a huge win, you were always right there waiting for me, ready for a celebratory Chick-fil-A meal. But then, there were many times you saw me fail (miserably), and it was hard on both of us. But as much as I don’t like to admit it, those failures came with a very, very terrible attitude that I took out on you. And although it wasn’t fair for you, you were there and you put up with it as if it was you who took the fall, when anyone else probably would have left me to figure it out on my own. I can’t thank you enough for being there for me in those times, the good and the bad.
I can’t even begin to describe how much you are an inspiration to me, and everyone. You were one of the greatest players of the game. You know how to beat this game and you know how to teach it. Your passion and dedication is contagious and your positivity has a way of lifting anyone’s attitude on the court. No matter what you were going through, you always managed to put me first and make sure my game was were it should be. There were times when your life was probably much more interesting than standing outside helping me with my serve… hour, after hour, after hour. But you stayed, worked, and helped me… the true qualities of a true coach.
I know there is no possible way that I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for you. You are the reason my game escalated to the point where I was able to get a scholarship and play the game I loved, the game you helped create, in college. We created goals together, we worked together, and we have succeeded together. I could not have gone through this long process alone, and I’m so happy you stuck with me. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
So thanks for everything Coach… and like you always say, “have a nice life.”