Dear coach,

For the time I had with you as my coach, I will say that you had me face some of the hardest challenges of my life. Both physically and mentally, you pushed me to the edge. Although the time we had as coach and team player was short, I still will never forget the lessons you taught me in such a short period of time.

The first thing that you taught me is that the world can be cruel sometimes. However, it is how you deal with it that makes you an even better player. Even though I would not be playing the sport I love, I would still be able to appreciate it on my own time and rediscover what I love so much about it. I would be able to run and actually enjoy myself. I would be able to go to the gym and not feel stressed like I was doing anything wrong. But most importantly I would be able to relax.

The second thing that you taught me is that words hurt. It is all about how you phrase things. Please do not tell your players that they are not trying hard enough when clearly they are doing their best. Please do not give looks to your players when they are not making the fastest times because they are pushing themselves to their own limits. Your team will do anything to impress and please you and you still have a hard time seeing past it. A piece of advice for you coach, is that sometimes heart trumps skill on the field. With heart you not only get skill but you get passion and that goes farther than anything else.

The third thing that you taught me is that it hurts when you are given up on. You had told me that you did not have the time to coach me but if it was something that I really wanted to do I would be welcome to give it a go next season. I am sorry but that right there is why I will never be able to be considered your player. You did not have the time to fuel the burning passion that I had inside of me that would lead to greatness with just a little push. You did not have the time to see how dedicated I was as a player and to my studies. You did not have the time to give a potentially fantastic player a chance.

So, as I continue on my journey in life, I will never forget you. I will vow to never be like you and I will always try to put my players first if and when I become a coach. Thank you for teaching me that I never want to be like you.

Sincerely,

Your former player