A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change your life.

John Wooden

Growing up, I hated running. I wanted nothing to do with it at all. I felt as though I was pressured into doing as I progressed from middle school into high school. Not only was my body, friends, and hobbies changing, but our race distance in cross country was going from 1.5 miles, to 3.1 miles. I felt as though it was just too much and running in high school was going to be a ton of work. After lots of consideration, I decided to do it.

I had known the high school coach for years and I liked him but I didn’t really know him as a coach personally. Right as my freshmen year began, this coach was so encouraging. It is a tough transition from middle school to high school, but he made it smooth. As my four years with him as a coach came and went, we had gone through a lot of struggles, hardships, and accomplishments. My coach always was there for everyone equally, and gave everyone the time they deserved. Although he wanted to win and was pushing us to do our best, all he truly wanted was our best. He knew what we were capable of and wanted us to strive to want our best as well. Because of my coach, I now run in college and have made more strides in the running world than I ever thought! The picture above proves it all. I had just raced in the track and field regional and won the 800m race, placing me 3rd in the state of Michigan, and his face just says it all. He was so happy for everyone and how they did. My coach will impact me for the rest of my life and I’m so glad that I can call him my dad.