To My High School Coach,

Not only were you the reason I learned to never give up, but I learned to believe in myself. Over the course of four years, you saw me develop from a sense of accomplishment and desire to be better.

You taught me to be resilient and never to say "I can't," and every time you would tell me, "We don't use phrases like I can't here." I wouldn't believe I'm saying this now, but all those punishment pushups paid off.

You believed in me from day one, when I never thought I would make it through one practice. And now, I see myself stronger and continuing on my way with nothing in my way. You never let me think and believe that I was never good enough, you just taught me to think of my improvements and not to dwell on the bad.

Not only did you show me the tough love I needed to be successful, but you taught me how to be a confident and strong athlete. You also knew when I was about to break, and you knew exactly what to say to me.

You knew how to build me up and give me the confidence I needed when I was down in the dumps. While always knowing how to build me up, you knew how to help me reach my goals without letting anyone stop me, and I thank you for that.

Without you, I would not be the confident athlete I am today. Going out everyday questioning if I'm good enough, I know I am. Because of you, I know I wouldn't be the confident athlete I am now.

I often look back on high school, and the one thing that sticks out to me most was my athletic career. While, I may not have been the number one runner, you always believed in me like I was. You motivated me to be better, and to never give up on anything I set my mind to. You were always there to be a pair of listening ears when I was in need of advice, and I will be forever thankful.

Now that I put my high school athletic career behind me, looking forward at everything I have accomplished, I would never be where I am now. And I am ever so grateful for that.

Sincerely,

A college athlete

PS: I still make myself do pushups when I find myself saying that I can't do things.