Without sports, I would be nothing today. From growing up on the baseball diamond, the soccer field and the hockey rink, my life wouldn't be the same if it weren't for sports, and it's all thanks to my dad.

My dad started playing hockey when I was born, 20 years ago. I grew up at the rink. Going to every game and running up and down the wooden bleachers watching him play.

When I was old enough, I was immediately put into sports. I played soccer, basketball and baseball (not softball) for about 8 years through the parks and rec, each season having my dad stand on the sidelines and coach. Yeah he pushed me the hardest, make me ran the farthest and gave me the most crap but that's how I became the person I am today.

Sports is my whole life. Through injuries, I can't play as much as I would like but what he taught me as being my coach has stuck with me. First off, the love of the game. Yes I'm a girl but I can talk about sports for hours. Especially hockey as I still go watch my dad play at the same rink I grew up at.

He also taught me how to be a team player, have respect for the other team, how to work hard and how to never give up. I remember being in little league, being the only girl in my division. As I walked up to the plate, all the boys in the outfield scooted in. The ball was pitched and I ripped it. Over the fence it went. It was crazy. I wanted to score in soccer so badly too. I worked so hard. When the day finally came to score my first goal, I immediately ran over to my dad and jumped in his arms. I was elated. Those were some of my favorite childhood memories. Going to practice every week with my dad and going to games on the weekends. Today, we enjoy going to Ducks and Angel games together and are always talking about sports and I love it.

So I wanted to say thanks dad. Thanks for teaching me all these different life lessons as an 8 year old on the baseball diamond, soccer field and basketball court. Thanks for always being my coach and making me run the farthest and work the hardest in practice, it taught me endurance and strength. And thanks for teaching me the love of the game, something that will never leave me, something that I will coach my kids.