It’s people we look up to when we are young that shape who we are as we grow old. My freshman and sophomore high school tennis coach not only pushed me to become the best tennis player I could become, but he motivated me to become confident in myself and take the inspiration he had given me and pass it on to others. Coach Daniel White, who now coaches for the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, spoke to me as a mentor; when I would be down in a match or needed a direction to turn towards in life, he stood strong for me. He led me, he showed me, he motivated me. His guidance made my love for tennis much stronger. 

When Coach White sent an email, which told his decision of putting me on team, I learned he wanted me on team because he saw my potential; I knew he saw my future. His determination for my success not only pushed me to get back up whenever I fell down, but it also allowed me to show up every day and work my hardest. 

It is because Coach White believed in me that I now believe in myself, I have a strong drive, my passion for tennis has been fueled, and I am the person I am today. If it weren’t for the motivation of Coach White, I may not be able to continuously push myself to be a better me.