Dear Platinum,

{The dance team I coach is competing at the State Competition today, so I'm just writing my heart to them}

Dear Platinum Beauties -

Today is it.  The single day we have had our sights on since April.  This year our goal was simple, leave State with no regrets.  Whether we win or lose today - I think we've accomplished that goal.  I believe we will be able to look back on the past 8 months and say every single one of us has done everything we could do to prepare for this day.

This season has been full of really amazing moments

And some really hilarious moments

Lots of moments when lots of people were watching you

And I love being your coach during all of those times.  But the times when I am most proud to be your coach are the times like in this picture

The times when nobody is watching you.  The times you're sweating in the studio, or busting your butts in the weight room, or watching videos and critiquing them late at night or early in the morning.  Those are the moments that make me the most proud of you because those are the moments that make all the big moments when lots of people are watching even more sweet.

When you look back on this season (and more importantly, your time on Platinum in general), I hope you remember all of these moments.  Not just the really big ones, but the little day-to-day ones where your relationships with each other grow, or where you become a better dancer, or more importantly where you become a better person.

More than all of that, I hope you always look back on your time with this program and know that I could not possibly love you more.  You are so much more to me than dancers I coach.  I have known many of you since long before you were in high school.  The relationship I have with each of you is so far past the relationship most coaches have with their athletes.  You were among the first to know about Kamdyn - even before some of our family.  :)

You make me laugh when I'm having a horrible day, you make me smile when you get something you've been working on forever, and you make me proud of the young women you've become.  I tell you all the time how honored I am to be your coach - but I'm going to tell you again.  The simple fact that I get to be a part of such an incredible part of your high school career is something I cannot possibly say enough thanks for.  I am honored to be your coach, but more than that, I am honored to be your mentor, listening ear, second mom, and friend.  I hope you never forget that your biggest cheerleader is me.

I believe in you always -