Gratitude Letter

Dear Coach ____,

Although many years have passed since I left your program, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your amazing influence on me throughout my basketball career.

At the risk of sounding cliché, my experience with you completely changed my life. Under your strict and consistent discipline, I learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment to the sport. I am happy to share that I still carry those lessons with me to this day. While the personal transformation was not apparent to me at the time, in reflecting on those years as your player, I can see how you helped to transform me from an immature boy into the responsible man that I am today.

As I was preparing to write this note to you, I read a quote from William A. Ward. He said that “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” This could not be any truer, because I have been truly inspired by you. After graduating high school, like many student-athletes I aspired to play college, and one day professional, basketball. When those plans did not materialize as I expected, I could think of no better career than to follow in your footsteps and become a basketball coach. I am proud to share with you that I currently coach AAU basketball for a group of high school student-athletes. I often share the same lessons with my team that you taught to me. In fact, on some days I can almost hear your booming voice ringing in my ears. I can only hope to have the same positive effect on their futures as you did on mine.

Thank you again for your excellent example and for being my coach. I wish you only the best for a successful future.

Warm regards,

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