For Coach Sauer by Odelia

For Coach Sauer by Odelia - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

I’ve lost count of the times I thought about quitting cross-country. The idea would always fade, though, because I couldn’t leave behind the team or the coaches I’ve grown to love—especially Coach Tom Sauer, who has been my biggest supporter for four years.

When I was a freshman, he invited me and my teammates to eat lunch in his classroom, an offer we happily accepted. As not only his AP United States Government and Politics student, but one of his many lunch buddies, I discovered that he had a unique sense of humor and an openness to guide me on how to improve in my sport. Coming in from middle school, where I was the slowest runner, it astounded me when he helped me secure a varsity spot right away. He saw my potential, and I found myself eager to see how far I could go under his direction.

Freshman track season, I dealt with intense joint pain. My performance lagged, yet Coach still placed me on varsity. He focused more on my dedication and team spirit than on my times, which confused me at first. By sophomore year, though, I had a breakout season. My progress led to being named captain in my junior year. Unfortunately, that same year, I became anemic—unbeknownst to me and everyone else at first. Coach remained patient, offering any support I might need.

Senior year was especially hard: I had weekly iron infusions and a rocky cross-country season. Still, he encouraged me constantly, reminding me that setbacks don’t define me. College applications followed, and there was no question that I’d ask him for a recommendation. He told me he’d known this day would come since my freshman year—though he dreaded trying to capture my entire character in one letter.

When my acceptance to Stanford University arrived, he was the first person I called. He gave me the classic, “I’m so proud of you, I always knew you could do it,” and somehow, I could sense the depth of his belief in me. Over these four years, he hasn’t just been a coach; he’s been someone who looked past injuries and disappointments to see the real me.

I realize now that quitting was never truly an option. Beyond the painful miles and early mornings is a team that cares deeply for one another, led by a coach who prioritizes character above all else. He taught me to trust myself, especially when life throws hurdles in my path. Running has been a journey filled with more than races; it’s shaped how I see myself and my goals.

Stepping away from his mentorship will be hard, but I know the lessons he’s taught me will carry on. Even as I move forward to new challenges in college, I’ll remember the unwavering support and genuine belief he offered. And any time I think about giving up, I’ll recall the coach who always saw my potential—long before I saw it in myself.