For as long as I can remember, I've always had older girls to look up to, specifically in the sports world. The high school basketball girls were my heroes on and off the court, and all I wanted to do was be like them when I grew up. My first game as a high school player, I looked into the stands and saw all those little bright-eyed faces. They were just like me when I was their age. As I've gotten older, I've realized how important it is to set a good example and to be a role model for the younger girls I know are looking up to me.

To the girls who are watching:

I'm honored to be someone you look up to and I hope I've made you proud. I hope that by watching me, you're inspired to be a part of this sport and perhaps this team one day. I hope I've shown you how to set a good example and be a role model for other girls who will be watching you. I hope I've given you something to look forward to and have shown you that you can do anything you set your mind to. I hope I've helped you realize that you can be in the exact same position I am. The great news is: you can be!

I've seen you at all of our games, sitting with your parents, loving every second, and watching your favorite girls play a game you love. Thank you for being an incredible fan and for cheering me on in both my best and worst times. I saw you at every game and you've kept me grounded. Your presence reminds me of who I used to be and who I always wanted to become. You keep me focused on what's important in my life and why I'm really here. I'm not here to be just an athlete. I'm here to help others, and just seeing you reminds me of that. The fact that my actions and attitude on the court can have an immediate impact on your life makes me strive to be better, for you and for others.

I want to remind you of something I consistently lost sight of: NEVER lose your love of the game as a result of someone else's actions. Don't let the actions or attitudes of your teammates, coaches, or parents impact your love of the game. Don't lose that love and that passion. You may inspire another little girl to love that game as much as you do. PLEASE never forget this. That little girl may think "if she can do it, I can too". One day you will be someone's hero, someone's role model. Strive to make them proud.

Thank you for being you, little one. Keep your goals in sight and never stop working hard for what you want. One day, I promise, you'll be in my shoes and you'll be better than I've been. Never, ever let someone tell you that you're not enough, because there will always be someone, somewhere who thinks that you are everything.

Love,

Randee