No matter what sport you played in high school, a coach can either make or break your experience. They can either unleash a passion and a love of the game within an athlete or distinguish the spark each player carries inside. Perhaps the memories you carry within your heart are fond ones as you reminisce upon your days as a high school athlete. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my high school soccer coach. He developed within me more than just a love for soccer, but he taught me things about life as well. I wished I hadn’t taken those days for granted and taken the time to say thank you. That being said…

Thank you for teaching me how to win humbly and lose gracefully.

Thank you for instilling in me the desire to be the best I can be on and off the field.

Thank you for inspiring me to not only play but live with integrity.

Thank you for showing me that going the extra mile matters in the end.

Thank you for encouraging me when the going gets tough.

Thank you for caring more about me as an individual rather than just someone who helps win games.

Thank you for being there for me not only as my coach, but as my mentor.

Most importantly, thank you for believing in me when no one else would.

I will always remember how much you stood beside me in the face of defeat and doubt and lit a spark within me to finish strong and keep pursing my goals. It’s because of you that I have the drive to persevere through anything life throws at me. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I was being shaped and formed into not just an athlete, but an individual who aspires to be the best I can possibly be.

There’s no way I can say it enough, but thank you.