Did you know that when my mom first saw my big, flat, baby feet she said, “Oh! She has feet like a jackrabbit!” Well she did, and she certainly won’t let me forget it. Fast forward 18 years later and track and field is my ticket to an affordable college education. Concordia University Irvine provided me with the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. I received an education in a subject I loved while competing in the sport that has captured my heart. I was the injured girl coming out of high school. I had pulled my hamstring for the third year in a row.
Thank you for repeatedly reminding me of the power of the ripple effect. That one action can inspire, reinvigorate, and empower those around it. Everyone has the capacity to be great. Greatness manifests in a variety of ways. So does inspiration.
To the first one on their feet after a workout that knocked us all on our butts; you were the ripple that motivated the rest of us to rise to the occasion. You. Were. Great.
To the teammate who does what is needed without being asked, thank you for being great.
To those who shouted, “LET’S GO!”; thank you for being great.
To the parents who supported their athlete AND cheered for their teammates/competitors; thank you for being great.
Track and Field is a sport known for having long seasons. We train all year round. Between all the highs, lows, and everything in between; to the teammates who show up every day, thank you for being great.
To the coaches who strive for excellence and stress the importance of the process, thank you all for being great. Reaching an end goal is important. Nevertheless, understanding the process to reach that goal is the foundation for future success.
One person’s decision to act has the power to influence those around them. A team is so much more than a group of individuals. They’re a community, a family. Thank you track and field for the memories. Thank you for the lessons.