Dear Coach

Today was another day I put my best foot forward.

You looked at your clipboard, made your decisions, and once again, my number wasn't called.

We're more than 20 games into the season, and I haven't seen much playing time. I understand that coaches are expected to win. I understand that you trust certain players. That's part of sports.

But here's what I want you to know.

I've shown up to every practice.

I've put in the work.

I've listened.

I've learned.

And I know exactly what I still need to improve.

What you may not see is that every day I choose to show up anyway. I am a good teammate. I am a good human being. But don't mistake kindness for weakness.

The scoreboard doesn't define me. Playing time doesn't define me. And neither does your opinion of me.

What defines me is my willingness to keep showing up when things don't go my way.

You won't push me out of my sport.

You won't make me quit.

You won't convince me that I don't belong.

Because every practice I attend, every rep I take, every day I choose to come back that's a win. Not because I beat someone else. Because I beat the version of myself that wanted to give up.

The athlete I'm competing against isn't wearing another jersey.

It's the voice in my head that says, "Why bother?"

And every day I show up, I win that battle. Maybe one day you'll notice. Maybe you won't.

But either way, I'll still be here.

Working. Growing. Learning. Showing up.

Sincerely,

The Show Up Athlete