"....let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth."
- 1 John 3:18 (Holman Christian Standard)

I have been blessed in my years of coaching to be around men and women who speak volumes through their example rather than their words. Day after day they are consistent in doing the right thing in the right way. Don't think that others are not watching our every move. Coaches rarely receive thank you letters, but wouldn't it be great to get one like this?

Dear Coach,

Thanks for the special gifts that you have given my child. You learned his name and spoke it often. You taught him the basics of the sport as well as special ways to improve and excel. Although you had a whole team of kids to mentor, you took time for individual instruction where needed. Under your care I have watched him transform from a timid, doubting child to a strong, happy player willing to give his all for the team. Throughout the season when he gave his best, though sometimes falling short, you recognized his contribution with a pat on the back and encouraging words. Your wise approach showed him that, although winning is a goal, there are other goals just as worthy. He learned the value of finishing what he started and the joy of personal accomplishment. These attributes carried him through a season that was full of hard work and fun, discouragement and resolve, defeat and victory.

At the very end, at that championship meet when he brought home the first-place medal, you were among those who were so proud of how far he had come. It was a victory for all of us. What amazes me is you've done this year in and year out for so many kids. You've taught them skills that will last a lifetime. You've kindled in them a desire to excel. It may be that none of us can even comprehend the full extent of your contributions to these young individuals and the world they are shaping for themselves. But decades from now, I know my family will look back on these amazing, growing wonder years. We'll look at the ribbons, the trophies and the medals, and we'll see them as mere symbols of the real gifts. These most certainly have come straight from your heart.

With appreciation,

A Parent
(Letter from Anita Gogno and taken from Chicken Soup for the Sports Fan's Soul)