Dear Ms. Sychareune,

Through my years on the track and cross country teams, you have done so much for my fellow athletes and me. Though I could never put into words how much of an impact you’ve had on my life, here are some things I am grateful to you for:

Thank you for driving me to practice. Nearly every day during freshman year, You drove me and other first-years to cross country and track practice. You didn’t just save me from having to ride the bus, but you also helped us transition smoothly into our new school. I always appreciated being able to ask you any questions I had as a new student, whether they were running or school related.

Thank you for cheering me on, no matter what. Throughout my time on the team, I’ve had some amazing races and some pretty tough ones. From almost fainting to seasonal bests, you are always there, screaming “GO!” in encouragement. No matter how I perform, I know I always have your support.

Thank you for the lunch talks and great advice. From running to friendship to academics, I know I can always turn to you for guidance. Even though I have never taken a class with you, your classroom is a place where I feel comfortable and supported.

Thank you for helping to create the team I love. Team culture largely depends on coaches, and you’ve done so much to facilitate team bonding outside of practice. From keeping a snack corner in your room to hosting team parties, you’ve brought the team together. Many of my most treasured memories, including hide and seek games in the dark, bonfires, spaghetti dinners, sleepovers, and more, were at team parties made possible through you and Coach Ky.

Thank you for celebrating my successes. “Most Improved” team awards and hugs after great races remind me that I am valued on the team. The small things, like a “good job” after a hard workout or a high five after a race, have gone a long way. These are the things that make running so rewarding to me.

Thank you for supporting and encouraging me through my more difficult times. These last few months, as I have been struggling with my health, your support has meant a lot to me. It has sometimes felt that I am back at square one with my fitness, but you’ve reminded me how far I’ve come and that I can still continue to grow.

At regionals, I was terrified of another poor performance due to recent health challenges. Before the race, you reminded me that I had raced this exact course plenty of times before. Regardless of my health, I was ready. You reminded me to relax, do what I’ve always done, and have fun.

As I finish up my senior year, I look back on some of the amazing memories you’ve helped to create. I will forever be grateful to you for taking so much time to enrich my life and the lives of so many other young people. Thank you for helping to create an amazing high school experience that I never could’ve imagined.

Sincerely,

Evelyn