Thank you for stepping up. As a solo mom of four daughters, I’ve relied on you more than I ever realized. You weren’t just a game in our lives—you were a co-parent, a mentor, a teacher, and a guiding force. You raised up daughters who know their worth, chase their dreams, and push forward with grit and resilience. I owe you everything.

Tonight, I walked onto the court for the last time on Senior Night. My youngest, my 5’7” defensive-minded rebounding daughter, will graduate in a few months. Her three older sisters have moved on—one 23, one 22, another 20—each charting their own course, shaped in part by the lessons you taught them.

Basketball, you stepped in where a father wasn’t. When my daughter chose you in 3rd grade, you didn’t just give her a sport—you gave her a foundation. You gave her discipline, accountability, and a team that became family. You taught her that effort matters more than talent, that setbacks build strength, and that winning isn’t about playing time or personal stats—it’s about commitment, teamwork, and heart.

Without a stable foundation, too many girls lose sight of their dreams. They shift their focus, chasing relationships instead of purpose, and before they know it, their potential slips away. I’ve seen it time and time again. But because of you, Basketball, my daughters never lost themselves. You gave them something bigger to fight for. You kept them focused, determined, and strong.

Reading the diaries of teenage girls during my 17 years of teaching showed me how often we fail our daughters. I got so much wrong. But you, Basketball—you filled in the gaps.

You taught them that success isn’t handed out—it’s earned through extra reps, unseen hours in the gym, and the resilience to push through failure. You showed them that body type doesn’t define ability, that hard work outweighs talent, and that leadership isn’t about scoring—it’s about lifting others.

A female athlete will walk through fire for someone who believes in her. Too many coaches don’t understand this, but my daughters were blessed with ones who did.

So thank you, Basketball, for believing in my girls. For bringing us to this small town in Northern Missouri, where you helped shape them into strong, independent women.

I used to think the destination mattered most—the championships, the scholarships, the accolades. But you showed me it was never about that. It was about the journey. The hours spent in the gym. The late-night car rides after tough losses. The pride in watching my daughters hustle, rebound, and instinctively pass before remembering they could score, too.

It was about watching them grow—not just into athletes, but into women who know how to fight for their place in the world. Women who understand teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Women who will take these lessons beyond the court—into college, careers, and life.

Basketball, you were more than a sport. You were a father when there wasn’t one. A guide when I fell short. And a lifelong teacher of what it means to work hard, believe in yourself, and never back down.

For that, I am forever grateful.

Your Biggest Fan,