Dear UBC Soche,
When I signed up to be the Social Coach for Sauder’s JDC West 2009 team, I got some weird looks from the other alumni coaches. Understandably though. Costume theory, stress management, stage presence, teamwork under pressure, and working WITH your competitors were not the skill set the other coaches were expected to enhance in the students competing in the academic realm. That being said, the crazy looks faded once they knew who was on my team. Understandably though. You four were (and still are) amazing!
After 4 months of prep challenges, costume mayhem, and great discussions on strategizing as a team, you had each grown into such valuable competitors, and a solid team. When you hit the road to Edmonton there was nothing more that I could do than wish I was able to come with you. That being said, I was unbelievably excited to get each of Davina’s text messages after your challenges proclaiming how amazingly well you were doing. And your team phone calls actually warmed my heart! I don’t think proud even comes close to what I was feeling over the last 3 days!
And when I heard that you won, I just about lost it! You not only upheld the tradition of being the team that everyone loved competing with, but you built upon the successes of those gone before you and out-performed them in every sense of the word. When we sat down after your last prep challenge to talk about what you wanted out of this past weekend – to be a team, to win, to give it 110% all the time, to create lasting friendships – I knew you could do it!
And just like that, you did.
Calvin. Jenn. Chris. Safeena. You truly light up my life! Your smiles, work ethic, and creativity blow me away (and will continue to I’m sure). I hope you are as proud of your efforts this weekend as I am.
Congratulations team! You deserve it!
With much love,
- Coach
PS. YOU WON!!!! (… the excitement clearly hasn’t worn off yet!)
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