An Open Letter To The Coach Who Changed The Game
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

An Open Letter To The Coach Who Changed The Game

Because without you, I would not be where I am today.

39
An Open Letter To The Coach Who Changed The Game

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.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58399
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37621
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959226
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193570
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments