Coach Chris, this is the hardest goodbye, I never thought i'd have to say. For the past 3 years you've constantly motivated me to be the best runner I could be. You challenged me, and told me I could do things I didn't even think I could do myself. When I wanted to give up, you didn't let me.
Last spring, there was one track workout that we did in the scalding heat. You made me run with Sara, Maya and Leah. I remember telling you I couldn't do it, that they were faster than me, that I wasn't going to be able to keep up with them. You told me I could do it, that I was in that group for a reason, and I stuck with them the whole workout. The next meet I went out and ran a 5 second PR in the 800. Once I finished I ran to you and you gave me the hardest and biggest high five ever. That was maybe the best moment of my track career so far. You've had faith in me when I didn't have faith in myself. You keep me running on days when I want to collapse. You helped me PR and run faster and run with purpose and enjoy running more than I ever thought I could before.
Every time I race next year (if we get to race!) I will be looking for your face on the side. Looking for that," Catch her!" or a quick smile. Every email I'll be looking for the motivational Monday from you. Every message looking for your bitmoji. Gone but never forgotten, the rest of my high school career won't be the same without you here, but I can't wait to hear about the amazing things you and Crew go on to do in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is lucky to have you!
Thank you for everything these past few years, you turned me from someone who ran into a runner.
- Ayaka Smart
P.S. If I ever see Kosuzu again I will let her know you say hi :)
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