Athletics: Long Sprint
From the moment Coach Gadison saw me running on the track in 7th grade, everything changed. I was just a middle schooler then—still figuring out who I was and what I was capable of. But Coach Gadison saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. He took me under his wing, trained me, challenged me, and supported me every step of the way. Over the years, he became more than just a coach—he became one of the most important mentors in my life.
Coach Gadison instilled in me the value of discipline, resilience, and hard work. Under his guidance, I achieved goals that once felt out of reach, but more than the medals and titles, my proudest moment came when I earned a spot on the varsity track team as a freshman—a goal I had set for myself early on, and one Coach Gadison helped me fight for.
Throughout my journey as a student-athlete, Coach Gadison never let me take the easy route. He pushed me to be better every day—on the track, in the classroom, and life. He taught me how to lead by example, stay focused under pressure, and remain humble in both victory and defeat. His belief in me helped build my confidence and shaped the way I carry myself today.
Now, as I prepare to pursue a degree in forensic psychology at Arizona State University, I carry Coach Gadison’s lessons with me. He showed me the power of persistence and mentorship, and because of him, I know what it means to work hard for a dream. He didn’t just coach me to be a better athlete; he helped me become a stronger, more determined person.
