Dear Sea Dragons Families,

I hope that this finds everyone recovering from a great Spring Break with family and friends, and in the final stretch of our school year, I felt it necessary to touch base with everyone. I want to start by saying that I have made the bittersweet decision to resign my coaching duties for the team, and pass the torch onward this summer. I promise to keep this brief but, I feel a strong connection to this program, and to the people involved that I owe you more than just my goodbye :)

Summer league for me has ALWAYS been my summer home---from the time I arrived on this crazy world, I was toddling next to a pool.  By the age of three I was competing, and it's been that way every summer since, in some form or fashion.  I have coached over 18 years worth of teams each summer (with at least 110 kids, or more), and finished my 10th high school season this year.  I can honestly say--I have learned something from each child I crossed paths with. In many ways, they taught me more than I could ever teach them. I have gotten to meet and get to know some AMAZING people along my journey, and many of those people have helped me grow, and supported me in every facet of life.  Being on a team has always meant family to me---and it's that mentality that does make this decision tougher than just letting someone younger, spunkier, who gets more sleep than me, have it pass the torch to. 

The most amazing little girl entered my life about 19 months ago and my world has changed.  I've got so much to be grateful for with her, and I feel the true reason it's time is because I am her mom now.  I have always admired the types of parents I got to watch you all be, and I've longed to be one for a very long time.  I always promised myself when that day came, that my child would be my number one priority.  Her dad and I are both high school coaches.  During the school year, our seasons overlap just right to give us exactly one week at Christmas Break together, and when I coached summer swimming, we had exactly two weeks off together in the summer.  It's a crazy way to raise a family---in more ways than one--we make it work---but it's time that Karlee gets all of us all summer and we can enjoy these years that are already flying by so quickly.  I would like to think that someday she will understand the craziness of our school year lifestyle we subject her to--but I owe this time to her.  

No matter who coaches your children, I wish the following things hold true for them in this program---1) they never lose that love of the sport, 2) they always compete by the rules and play fair, and 3) they know how lucky they are to have parents like you who support their journey,  and see to it that they get the best of what life has to offer.  Their childhood is one of the most formative times in their lives that can make or break their confidence for many years to come.  It's important to maintain that philosophy that it's not always about winning everything, but about improving who you are along the way.  I will never forget all this team has given to me.....and I will miss every little high five and wet hug my summers have been filled with.  I appreciate each of you, and the faith you instilled in our coaches to help your child grow as more than an athlete.  

Thank you for believing in me enough to allow me to coach your children along the way, and I wish our Sea Dragons much success in the seasons to come!!

Love,

Coach Kari