Dear Markie, 

Who would have known my four years of high school would have come and gone so quickly. I sit now, a college freshman (almost sophomore), writing to you, thanking you for everything you have done for me. I tried out for tennis my freshman year on a whim, and having never played before, I never expected for it to take me as far as it did. I first knew you as Coach Markewicz, but later as “Markie”, someone who would constantly build me up, and someone who would always be there for me. 

From the day I made the team, you were such an amazing supporter, and with your guidance, I was constantly improving not only as a player, but as a person. My idea of teamsmanship transformed as I grew to become the captain of my senior year team and throughout the years I became invested in improvement. You were hard on me, never allowing me to be complacent with my skills, reminding me there was always something I could improve, always another opponent to conquer. It was because of this that I achieved the 7th seed in the state for first doubles my junior year and third singles my senior year. 

Not only did you help me to become a better tennis player, but you were always there for me. When I was sick on the day of senior night, you came with me to the doctor when my parents were working. If I was frustrated during a match, your encouraging words would never fail to motivate me. I’ll never forget our varsity dinners at Chick-fil-a after our away matches, or the Saturday practices you held (even though we hated it at the time, it helped us all to bond). 

 Looking back on those four tennis seasons, I could not ask for a better coach and supporter. As you now live in Germany, at the will of the United States Armed Services (I appreciate the service of your brave husband), I am not able to pay you a visit. So instead, I write this letter to thank you, and to acknowledge how lucky I am to have had such an amazing supporter. But don’t worry, I’ll be sure to visit as soon as quarantine is over. 

Thank you and miss you, 

Bray