St Lucie West Centennial Softball
Nominated By: Cheryl East
What Makes Me a Champion?

My girls/team make me a champion. Two years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.  Although I’m in the early stages, it still, at times, makes it hard to do things.  I told my girls after I was diagnosed because I believe they deserve honesty.  When I told them, they asked questions about the disease but most importantly, was I still going to coach.  I told them I was going to coach but I needed their help.  These girls are incredible.  They are always carrying my bag, offering to help, and hover over me.   They practice hard, maintain a team avg GPA of 3.5, work part time jobs, plus take care of me.   This is my 7^th year and I have always been District Runner Up, never a District Champ until last year.  The girls won it for me.  We lost the first round of Regional though.  As they shed tears, their comment was  “Sorry Coach.”  I said  “Why are you sorry?  We still had a great season.”  Their response, “We didn’t get you your 100^th win.”  See I ended 98-55.  I am happy to say they got it for me, the first week of this season.  We are 8-1 as of today, March 9^th.  My word for the team is BELIEVE.  I have it everywhere, dugouts, jewelry, etc.  The girls now Believe in themselves as I always have.  These girls, along with my own family, are the reason I won’t let this disease win.  I have it, it doesn’t have me.   The next item on my Bucket List? ????..A trip to States!  I Believe these girls can do it.  I’m truly blessed to be their coach!