For 19 years now, I have been through many clubs, many teams, and many coaches. Some coaches weren't the best, but some also weren't the worst. Overall, I learned a lot from the good coaches, but I learned even more from the not so good ones. If one of my coaches happens to be reading this, I hope you can refer to this letter in some way to either better yourself or to keep doing what you're doing.
Coach,
First of all, thank you for putting up with me. I say that in many ways. Thank you for pushing me, moving me in the right direction, showing me a new perspective, comforting me, and proving that I am better than you think I am.
I am thankful for all that you have done for me but, I am a little upset. For you to push me so hard and for you to go back on your word, hurts. To be told one thing and for you to act the other, hurts. For me to work my tail off and come back from a surgical procedure WAY before I was supposed to for nothing in return, hurts. I am not being cocky, but I know my capabilities and how I can benefit the game. I am sorry if this upsets you but you need to hear it. I quit because of you. I quit because you made the game I loved for 19 years a thing I began to dread. I quit because I was tired of working so hard every day, to be in pain for no outcome. I quit because you ruined soccer for me. And that's that.
Not only does this upset you, it upsets me. As for other coaches, they made me LOVE the game. At every level, from little kids swarming around a ball to the collegiate level, no one should be treated as less than equal every day. Every week should be a fresh start and a fresh line up. No excuses. Whoever shows up to practice will show up in a game. So let me ask you a question, how can you not know what is wrong with your team when nothing about practice or the line up is changed? Everyone needs change, even you.
I was taught to work hard and your hard work will be rewarded, not overlooked. Whether it is height or skill no one should be over looked. So for the other kind of coach, thank you for never over looking me. I may be a 5 foot 3 inch goal keeper, but you never gave up on me. You knew whether we were up by 10 or down by 10, I will never stop working 1000% until the final whistle blows. I will do everything in my power to not give up. I am proud to wear this jersey and I will show it.
I also wanted to thank you for your kind words. Other than my coach, I felt comfortable going to you for anything. You taught me not to show emotion because it gives it away to the opponent, but some how, you still find a way to know how I am feeling. And I will be endlessly thankful for you. You may be the reason why I am alive.
No matter what kind of coach you were, I am honored to be a part of your team. I am happy to share the experiences I have had with you and the team. I am thankful for the girls you have brought me close to. There are so many things I will be thankful for and I want you to know that.
I was proud to be your goal keeper, but my final whistle has blown.
