Every athlete has connected with a coach on some kind of level - a good one, hopefully. Coaches can have a significant affect on their athletes' lives, even outside of their sport.

For the coach who positively impacted my life,

Your challenging workouts, your decision to practice in horrible weather, and your natural intimidation has made me stronger. I can now accomplish things I wouldn't have dreamed of before you were my coach. Thank you for challenging me. It made me a better athlete, and has changed my attitude towards other situations. I have since learned to challenge myself in all situations of life because of you, and to never settle for "good enough."

Thank you for picking me up when I would fall. Not everything was always a challenge. Sometimes I needed assistance and a little courage to get myself back in my right mind. When you encouraged me, I gained strength and ambition. When I was performing badly and frustrated with myself, you weren't disappointed. You helped me make something of a loss. You were moving, motivational - everything I could've asked for.

I had days (particularly the ones where I performed badly) that I believed there wasn't a point anymore. Thank you for believing in me. Not always did I believe in myself. You believing in me made me want to succeed; I didn't want to let you down when you had so much faith in me. As a result, I fought harder and I kept going; I was determined.

When I had the drive to exceed your expectations, I made great achievements. Thank you for showing me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. When I allowed myself to believe I could, I improved greatly. Your belief in my success and my want to provide reason behind those beliefs drove me. It showed me I can accomplish anything I desire.

Thank you for being patient with me. When I was dissatisfied with myself and gave an attitude, you didn't yell at me. You gave me space, and talked to me when you felt I was ready. You understood why I was downhearted, and didn't blame me for being upset. You respected me as your athlete even when I was in an impertinent mood. (Although I rarely acted in this way because I was very much afraid to give you attitude).

You always made sure I iced when I needed, stretched, warmed up properly, and so much more. Thank you for caring about my well being. It went beyond athletics as well - you cared about my grades, my other hobbies, and my overall happiness in life. You were always there to make sure I was doing okay, no matter what the situation was. As long as their athletes are healthy, some coaches couldn't care less about anything else. You weren't like that, you were attentive and considerate. You took care of me in all aspects.

Your support drove me to further my athletics career. I don't know that I would have chosen to do so if I wouldn't have had the opportunity of having you as my coach. You didn't ever advise me to continue in my sport, but you gave me a wish to. Thank you for encouraging me to continue with athletics.

Thank you for being more than "just a coach". Not only were you my coach, you were my mentor, my friend, my inspiration, and my teacher (literally). You were like a mother to me in the way you connected with me.

I was with you a lot, and it wasn't always related to the sport. I had fun spending time with you outside of when you were coaching. I also had fun when you were coaching, despite how hard I was training. Thank you for the lasting memories. The good, and the bad.

I'm happy that you sometimes still check up on me to see what I'm doing. To know you are a text or call away and that you will always respond makes me so glad to have had you as my coach. You have always been there for me. Thank you for continuing to be a part of my life.

My coach and I when I signed to Maryville University for track and field last May.