“Coaching is a profession of love. You can’t coach people unless you love them.”
-Eddie Robinson

Coaches teach you how to play a game. Great coaches teach you how to be a better person. This week we share 5 condolence messages from student athletes to the coaches who motivated and inspired them, and left lasting memories:

1. I am proud to have been one of the many young men Coach Oster took under his wing. As a teacher, he taught us to always give your best effort. He coached, mentored and groomed many of us to become better Men, Fathers and productive citizens. I will never forget the three years I had the opportunity to be coached by Coach Oster. Coach you will be missed. [Published in Akron Beacon Journal]
2. Some people say that a child’s early adolesence is when they are most impressionable.For my 12 year old tripletts, coach Ed certainly did just that. Our family will forever be grateful to Ed for all he did for my childrens confidence, pride and happiness.He was not just their football coach but a loved and respected friend.We will truely miss him and are very greatful to have had him in our lives. In my opinion he was ” One of kind”. [Published by Palm Summerlin-Funeral Home]
3. Ms. Mowad was my softball coach and cheerleading coach for two years. I remember the bus rides to the games- she drove and we would have so much fun laughing and joking around- of course she would participate. Most of my school year memories have her in them. I will never forget those times. I can’t even explain how much fun we all had together. Ms Julie was an amazing mentor of nurturing nature. She touched many young lives such as mine. She will be missed. Love ya Jewels…….. Thats what we called her!!!!!!!!!!! [Published in The Town Talk]
4. To the family of Coach Welsh-I transferred to WWPHS in 1996 as a sophomore kid from California. I decided to join the soccer team to keep myself in shape for the winter basketball season. In my 2 seasons playing for him, Coach convinced me that I should work to become a soccer player, and leave my basketball roots. Because of his impact and encouragement, I was eventually offered a scholarship to play soccer in college (where I met my wife- thanks, Coach!). I went on to play in five different countries, and found my calling in soccer ministry through these opportunities. 8 years ago, I started coaching. I have now coached thousands of young players- some of whom have gone on to play in college and beyond. And I have had the opportunity to share the Love of God through the game I have come to love. I am writing all of this because I want to you to know that the impact of Brian Welsh extends FAR beyond Hamilton Township and WWPHS. I had a lot of respect for Coach. He was quick to encourage. I can confidently say that Coach Welsh impacted the direction of my life, and his impact will continue to extend into future generations of soccer players all over the world. I am hurting for you all right now, and I pray that God comforts and unifies your family in the midst of your loss. [Published in The Times, Trenton]
5. Coach LaMonica passed away — a shock to me. I want to assure you his spirit lives on well. I played on two of his football teams and two lacrosse teams. He taught me how to be a young man excelling with purpose, than a child playing games. Play with passion, but remain a good sport. Look to my soul, not the scoreboard, for accomplishment. Finish strong. I cannot attend the memorial service, but will remember him that Saturday in a more practical way, because I will be head coaching my own U15 lacrosse team in the first game of the 2010 fall season. I will dedicate this season to him and aim to instill my players with a sense of continuity from my coach, through me, to them. Perhaps someday that will motivate them to engage personally in preparing young men for the rigors of a competitve world. I can think of little better way to honor him, than actively carry on his tradition. If not for his example and influence, I quite simply would not be coaching. My heart breaks, but … finish strong.  [Published in Baltimore Sun]

Legacy.com reviews one million condolence messages each month. Each week, we highlight 5 condolences with a common theme.