Dear Mom and Dad,
Playing the sport I love in college is a dream come true. It has become a staple of my college experience, providing me with the opportunity to pursue what I love for four more years at one of the highest levels. Of course, I have no one to thank for this but you, Mom and Dad.
It all started after my first practice. After trying my hand at multiple sports, I found my passion and was immediately hooked. However, anyone can have a passion. What allowed me to develop this passion and reach my goals, though, was you two.
You were always there to drive me to practice and drop everything to pick me up after, no matter how late I finished. I am so grateful that you gave me the opportunity to compete in tournaments throughout my childhood, giving up weekend after weekend to bring me to the most obscure places, such as Kalamazoo. These tournaments provided me with memories and lessons I couldn’t have possibly gotten elsewhere.
Of course we cannot ignore the financial side of things, nor the time spent towards helping me turn my dream into a reality. All the lessons, clinics, tournament fees, and equipment you both funded, and more importantly, all the time you can never get back. Spending hours driving me to practices, tournaments, etc. I am eternally grateful.
Most of all, thank you for being my biggest supporters, coaches, and fans. For never giving up when the going got rough (even though you had every reason in the world to do so at times). For pushing me when I needed it. For picking me up when I was down. For providing me with the best possible resources to develop my game no matter the sacrifices you had to make. Most importantly, thank you for always reminding me of my dreams and encouraging me to keep going.
My sport has given me a lot. It has provided me with a strong work ethic, goals, and a spot on a team. However, what I am most grateful for about my sport, is how close of a bond it has forged between us. Through those mundane hours driving in the car, and then always sitting on the sidelines cheering for me, without you at college, I now realize how much I cherish this bond my sport has allowed us to have.
Playing in college is a dream come true. I am truly blessed to have parents who shared the same dream with me, because I would be nowhere without you two.
Love,
Your Student Athlete
