My dad is one of the most caring, loving people I know. He has always been my biggest fan, cheering me on from the stands or calming me down on the phone from half way across the country. I am 20 years old, but I still come across times in life where I need my dad.

There is no other person that I would rather have driving me to tournaments at 5:30am. I will always remember those drives in you convertible with the top down and the heat turned all the way up. Those small talks and moments we shared together have shaped me into the woman I am today. Even though you traveled a lot during my childhood, you would always make time for me and try to attend every game or school function imaginable.

You are a great teacher. I am so glad you have taught me so many life lessons throughout the years. Without you, I wouldn't know how to put air in my car tires or know what WD40 is. I hope you know that you will never stop getting random phone calls from me asking how to fix something or coaching me through a visit to Home Depot. You will always need to help me set up new printers and TVs and tell me which light bulbs to buy.

You always tell me that you will never worry about me because I won't let anyone mess with me. I may have gotten that gene from mom, but you've taught me to express how I feel and not let anyone walk all over me. You are so invested in my schoolwork and are always helping me get internships and jobs. You encourage me to try my hardest and are always there with words of encouragement if I fail.

Thank you for the random car washes, doing my laundry, and slipping me a little cash on occasion. Thank you for sitting through endless sports games, hauling me to private lessons that I always complained about, and laughing at me when I would roll my eyes in the middle of the game because my teammates made a mistake. Thank you for always accompanying me on frozen yogurt dates and making my coffee every morning before school. You are the best dad a girl could ask for and I pray that I get to spend my life with a man half as amazing as you.