A Letter to My Athlete Daughter: From Your Father and First Coach

Dear Zora

I see you. Motivated, determined and hungry. You play with heart on the softball field and basketball court. Your hair braided, your game face shows a will to win. You love sport, competition and pushing yourself to be excellent. You care deeply about your teammates, and sometimes they drive you to tears. But the next day you’re hugging, laughing and cracking jokes.

That’s the kindness of your heart— the desire to understand and empathize. That same heart drives you to be the best you can be. The same heart that motivates yourself, wakes yourself up in the morning and seeks out challenges. The heart of a warrior thrilled by the journey. The heart that loves, laughs and forgives. Don’t ever lose that heart.

I have three words for you, Never Give Up!

You see your mother and I on the sidelines, supporting you earnestly. That may feel like pressure, because your success and failure is shared by your entire family. I played sports, but never as good as you. You are your ancestors' dreams because you’ve done better than the generations before you. Continue to strive and surpass us, we want that for you.

I have three words for you, Never Give Up!

This week we shared the same field, me as Prosser coach and you as Lane Tech first base. I rooted for you, but wanted a win for our Falcons. I coach, hoping my players have the same benefits you've received in life.

You are a part of my journey as a CPS educator. You were with me on the 2012 picket lines, toothless and ready to donate your tooth fairy money to the cause. You were with me at the Bud Billiken 2015 parade when Karen Lewis kissed your cheek and left a lipstick imprint. You were with me when I ran for CTU Vice-President in 2022 and I addressed your teachers at Lane. You’ve always been with me.

You were with me when I coached you in basketball and softball. We shocked the world when you and your (play) cousin Oli won a championship. Two girls leading a team in a boys basketball league. Our team won 25-24 and stopped them from scoring in the final twenty seconds. Our journey continued when you and Oli opposed each other for Taft and Lane.

I was with you when you walked in the winning run of a playoff game. You waited for me to console the entire team at the post game talk. After the talk, you put your head on my chest and balled your eyes out. I was with you when our Sayre team went undefeated, only to lose in the championship. Remember that pain, let it drive you and never take anything for granted.

I have three words for you, Never Give Up!

You understand your blessings, and appreciate what you have. I never wanted elite travel softball. I pushed you away from teams with all high performing and high achievement athletes. I wanted you to be humble, capable of being a teammate to any athlete. You are a leader because you care about every teammate, regardless of their ability. You are aware of the disparity in this world, in this city and within the Chicago Public Schools - and I know you will do better than me and make change going forward.

I was with you when we met the Cruz family. I was proud to see you and Emily on the same field this week - after all these years. I'm sorry, but your teammates Dad's became my new besties. Thank you for giving me a social life and friends. It wasn't just Wally, it was other dads Jesus, Jimmy, Rob and more. You worried I might provoke the Trumper and Copper Dads from Lane Tech, but we laughed and told stories about the old Chicago.

Players, coaches and parents were the village that raised you. We grew together with our community at the Dunham Park rec league. I hope you understand this, in my mind it makes you special. The only Lane varsity softball player who doesn’t play travel. That makes you hungry, a chip on your shoulder. Keep that chip, know who you are and where you come from.

I have three words for you, Never Give Up!

You’ve nurtured a sisterhood among your teammates of past and present. You are a young woman who knows what you want and seeks it, and you bring others along with you. Your value is not determined by what some boy thinks of you. Your self-esteem was developed by lessons learned through sports, and you don’t crave that validation from them. You are a strong and fiercely independent woman, just like your mother and your grandmothers. Carry your lessons learned, friendships earned and desire that burns throughout your relationships in life.

I have three words for you, Never Give Up!

Are you a basketball player or a softball player? I say neither, you are an athlete! You conquer all that you seek. Beyond sport, you are a scholar! Beyond school, you are a woman! You are a sister, daughter and friend. You are a leader. I see you Zora and I am beyond proud.