I hope this letter finds you in good health and extremely anxious for our upcoming season! Along with a new season comes new expectations. Expectations which I want to hold you too as well. I expect that in preparing for a new life at college you are also preparing for a new life of competition. A kind of competition you have never experienced before, but should be excited to! In order to be competitive and live up to the standards you need to be prepared, which I expect you will be. Be prepared mentally and physically. By training and putting the hours in before you come to school will only better prepare you and make you more competitive.

I expect that you will be psychologically ready. That you will be ready for our 5 am practices, ready for the YBMI, ready for the physically tough, ready for the pain. I also expect that you will be ready to win, ready to sacrifice everything and all you have, and to not except anything less.

With your preparation, we too will be prepared for you. It is going to be a great season, filled with many wins, many “ESPN moments”, many overtime teeth clenching victories, and many upsets. You must believe this coming in! We can’t wait to start again, and can’t wait for you to start with us. Continue to train at a high level so it will become second nature in the fall. If I can give you one hint of advice that will help ease your transition, keep running!

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?