As my intercollegiate season comes to an end, I can’t help but think back to my high school team and my coach. Although I am now apart of a new family, I am so grateful for all the experiences that have brought me this far, especially my wonderful coach, who was my greatest mentor throughout my high school years. Without her, I would not have gotten as far as I have.

I know it wasn’t easy at times; all the practices that ran hours late and cost me sleep, packing for hours the day before a meet and hoping nothing was forgotten, and then getting up before the sun to get to our meets on time. I know it’s hard; there is so much stress that comes with being a coach. You are just one human being responsible for lots of kids and parents always needing your help, but you still somehow tended to everyone's needs.

You always wanted us to do the best we could, so you pushed us hard each and every practice. Even if it was scorching hot or freezing cold outside, we practiced. At the time I didn’t realize that this was a sign of your love for us. I think that's a rare thing, a high school coach that actually cares for each and EVERY one of their student-athletes. You would never leave a kid out and you always made sure everyone was included in some way, shape, or form. It’s a beautiful thing to see, a coach light up a student's world with just a few compliments.

You saw the potential in your team before anyone else did, always believing in us to do and become better than we were before. I know there were times when we let you down, but you never took it out on us. Instead, you kept pushing, until the diamond in all of us shone through.

Even though you are no longer my coach; I will forever think of you as one of my greatest mentors. Not only did you teach me the reward of hard work, but you also showed me love through a coach's world. So, thank you. Thank you for having faith in me and my teammates. Thank you for all the support throughout the years. But most importantly, thank you for being such a huge part of my life. I am so grateful.