Coach,

I wanted to start this letter by just saying thank you. Thank you for being my coach, a mom when I needed one, my friend in times of need, and an advisor whenever I needed advice. Whether you realize it or not, you played such a vital role in my life, and you influenced me more than you ever even thought. The words “thank you” do not even begin to describe how I feel about the way you have impacted my life, but it’s a start.

Thank you for always being there, even when it wasn’t softball season. I knew that you were someone I could always count on to be there for me if I needed help, and I know that I still can. You were there for me during my lowest lows when I had my concussion and didn’t know who I was without my sport and my highest highs when I accomplished what I thought was impossible.

You were there whenever I needed advice, softball-related or not, and always knew exactly what to say after a bad play or a bad practice to get my head back in the game.

Thank you for forcing me to become stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. There were so many times that I just wanted to give up on myself because I thought I wasn’t good enough, but you were always there with a pep talk to bring me back to reality. You forced me to work through the tough times, wipe the tears off my face and move on, and for that, I can’t thank you enough.

Your guidance allowed me to become stronger, and to realize that one mistake doesn’t determine your entire life. You taught me that mistakes happen, but mistakes make you a stronger player and a stronger individual. Giving up on yourself is the worst thing you can do for yourself, and thanks to you, I know how to persevere, and how to never give up on myself even when times get tough.

Finally, thank you for your constant support.

I knew that I could always count on you to have a positive word even when games were rough. You always knew not only what I needed to hear, but what every other member of the team did too in order to find that fire deep inside them and unleash it. My softball career may have ended with a rough game, but what you said to me afterward I will never forget.

You weren’t my biggest supporter because you had to be, but because you wanted to. I could have just been another girl on the field in a uniform, but instead, I became a force to be reckoned with on and off the field, and that is partially thanks to you. You supported me then when I needed it, and I know you still do now.

I’m thankful that I’ll always have you in my life. You were so much more than a coach to me, and I want you to know that. I may have been the Sacrifice of the team, but you sacrificed your time to help me grow as a person, and that is one of the biggest thank you’s that I have to say. Thank you, for everything. Without you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

Love,

Sacrifice, #7, Barbie, and The Girl Who Will Never Forget Everything You Did For Her