Almost every athlete “retires”, sooner or later. As coaches we try to guide them to pick the optimal time.
Worst case scenario is when the athlete quits angry. And later regrets both how they left, and that they left.
Wendy Bruce Martin has a 10yr old daughter who quit her Team. And then shared a letter her child received:
Coach to former athlete:
… Just wanted to send you a quick letter to let you know how much I will miss you not being in the team anymore. I’m sure it was very hard on you to decide what you wanted to do. However I am very proud of you for making such a hard decision! No matter what I just want you to be happy …
That’s a class coach. 🙂
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