For My Track Girls

For my girls, the ones who call me, Coach,

This is my, Thank You.

Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for respecting me. Thank you for giving me your very best.

Thank you for allowing me to be the person who gets to demand the best out of you. When I say, “again!” You go again. When I say, “faster!” You search deep inside and find that tiny part of you that pushes faster and further, and forward you go.

I’m not sure you know this, but I don’t know everything. Sometimes it’s a gut feeling. Sometimes it is simply trial by fire. Other times I am merely flying by the seat of my pants. I am grateful you follow my guidance, anyway. 

My biggest requirement of myself as a coach, has always been that I remember the world you are living in. The world where you try so hard to stand out, yet work so hard to be the same as everyone else. It’s confusing. It’s hard. It is liberating when someone says, “I see you!”

"My biggest requirement of myself as a coach, has always been that I remember the world you are living in."

So girls, “I see you!” I always have. Unique. Talented. Artistic. Funny. Smart. Beautiful. So much more than I remember being at 17.

There are many of you who have let me in. You have let me be more than a coach for a season. We have grieved together. We have celebrated together. We have survived road trips with me behind the wheel!

While so many of you are no longer 17, I want you to know I am grateful for you. For being a part of my journey. For helping me grow to be a better coach, a better teacher, a better mom and friend.

And if I may offer one more bit of encouragement, please don’t stop dreaming. Set your goals high, and keep fighting till you get there.

This site is my dream. It came to be because of you. I hope I make you proud.

Thank you for calling me, Coach. It is truly an honor.

XO, Coach D