To the coaches I met but never had,
When people sit down to thank a coach, it’s usually one that they’ve had. That makes sense, because they probably touched their life the most. I thought that when I went to college that if there was going to be one single coach to touch my life the most, it was going to be my coach. But I was way wrong.
The coaches that mattered most to me throughout my college career were the ones that never coached me in a sport, but the ones that coached me in life. They were the ones that were behind the scenes in my success and often wanted little recognition in their support. They offered me nothing but encouragement and support. These were the coaches that I needed. To be exact, I met three coaches my first year at college that touched my life outside of a sport and really helped me out.
To that coach who helped me academically: college is hard and I thought that it was going to be easy. I was wrong. But once I started struggling with my classes and wasn’t sure what to do, your door was open and you were ready to give advice on the topic. You gave me study tips and even asked me about the tough classes that I had. The concern that you showed for me, even if it was just by asking how a class was going, gave me the confidence to handle even the toughest class out there. It might have seemed small to anyone else, but to me it meant the world.
To the coach who treated me like family: I was away from home and sometimes just having a little sense of family was a great feeling. You always treated me like family and so did your wife and children. I always knew that if I needed someone to talk to, your door was open and you’d help me in any way you could. With that being said, I’m glad you talked me out of transferring after I hated it that first year, because I can’t imagine finishing school anywhere else. Without your support, I don’t think that would have even been possible. You always made sure to push me to do my best and challenged me in new ways, and that was something that I liked about you.
To the coach who was there for me all around: I can’t thank you enough for every single thing you’ve done for me. From helping me finally decide on a major because it was something that I talked about loving forever to becoming a mentor in my life, you’ve been there for me. As soon as I told you that I was interested in sports communications, you started helping me in any way possible and I can’t repay you enough for that. Aside from becoming a mentor, you were always there when I was having a bad day and just needed to talk to someone and I really do appreciate that. You encouraged, challenged and supported me more than any one individual that I’ve met along this journey, and that goes along way. I’ve learned so much from you and can’t wait to be able to use that in the real world.
You all took the time to get to know me in the most unique ways possible and I’m honored to have each of you as a part of my life. As I prepare for the real world, I look back at the lessons you’ve taught me and use them to move toward the next step.
