Hey, coach, it’s been a while.

Even after a few years of being away, it’s still strange for me to not talk to you every day at school and practice.

I’ve been out of high school for a while now, but I still miss your jokes, pep talks, and lectures. Honestly, I miss the occasional yelling too. Even though we used to get on each other’s nerves, you were always one of my favorite people in the world. You still are, in fact. I know that you know that, despite the fact that I don’t say it enough.

So much of who I am today is because I had you as my coach. For six years, you have been one of my main role models. You have taught me so many lessons — not all of them pertaining to stats and track. You have helped me to become a stronger student, runner, Christian, and person.

You made me lift more than I wanted to. You helped me run faster than I thought I could. And at times when my life seemed to be falling to pieces, you coached me through it.

When I was diagnosed with a chronic leg condition and was advised to quit running, you kept me going. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, you assured me that everything would eventually be ok. When my first love broke my heart, you made me laugh about the situation, before telling me that he wasn’t worth my tears anyway.

You always let me cry about our sport because it is important to both of us. You have reminded me repeatedly that running is something I love, and that it loves me back by making me work to become a better me.

You refuse to take credit for any of my success, but in reality, my successes are your successes. Without you holding me accountable, not to mention encouraging me to achieve, and supporting me through everything, I don’t know where I would be.

I do know, however, that without you, I would not be a college athlete. I wouldn’t know how to effectively manage pain and stress. I wouldn’t know how to work my butt off. I wouldn’t know how to properly prioritize God, family, school, a social life, and sports. I wouldn’t know how to be a coachable athlete or a loyal teammate. I wouldn’t know how to step up and be a leader when necessary.

To say that we are close is an understatement. You have always understood my psychotic level of love for my sport. You have always believed in me. You have always cared about me. And you have always been hard on me because you expect more from me. I am so grateful for that, and for you.

No matter how old I get, or how many PRs I hit, you will always be my coach. It is an honor to say that I was coached by you, and I enjoy coming back to visit you, and having catch-up talks over bagels and Gatorade.

The fact that you are always only a phone call away means more to me than you’ll ever know.

Thanks for everything, coach.