Being a nervous sophomore on varsity at Arrowhead High School, I didn’t think things would come easy. I was greeted by a warm smile of what seemed like my dad! Coach Mayer welcomed his lacrosse players and started our first practice by sitting down and talking. He wanted to get to know us as individuals, outside of our athletics. This is important for a coach to do because he connected with me about many things and knew the stories of my life.

My nervousness went away as my bond strengthened with Coach Mayer. Coming to practice, he brought popsicles when it was hot or fruit when he felt like it! He asked how our days were going and if we needed anything, he was there. 

As a senior, I asked Coach Mayer for a letter of recommendation and he was willing to help me out. He stated, “It’s not hard to write one about someone like you.” His words stuck with me because it showed me how one simple act can change someone's whole day.

As we got in to the season, we started talking once a week. These talks would not be strategizing for our next game, or thinking about what we need to work on. These talks would be a quote or story of something amazing. He would show us how this story correlates to our life and how we can use it to become better people. I use the lessons Coach Mayer taught me still to this day. He always said that our character now will shape our future and shared stories with us of how that happened.

One thing stuck out to me during prom week. After one of our games, he bought roses for each of his players. He reminded us if a boy was not treating us with respect, to let him know and he will solve the problem. His warm hearted, comforting, and drive to make his players better helped us not only in lacrosse, but our life and future. His long lasting impact is something that will follow me everywhere throughout life and I am forever thankful for him.