Garden City, GA 32004
November 8, 2012
Ms. Sarah Heath
Peachtree Ridge High School
1555 Old Peachtree Road
Suwanee, GA 30024
Dear Ms. Heath,
Coach Carter’s experiences with basketball were very helpful in the development of leadership and teamwork when it came to his teaching of the boys’ basketball team in Richmond High. He knew what it was like to go to school in Richmond and what to expect after graduating from the high school. He, however, probably did not know what real teamwork was like, which is why he made sure to give his team that motivation.
Coach Carter’s values further helped his team as a whole and individually. He instilled the value of focusing on education because it would get a person far in life after high school. He was a team builder, inspiring confidence in his players and letting them know through tough love that they could do it and they could be the best. Coach Carter delegated responsibility and was consistent in toughening up to show them that in order to play the game, some things had to be done, including keeping that 2.0 grade point average. Coach Carter was committed to making sure his team not only became the best in the sport he loved, but also become the best in the classroom and learning environment.
Coach Carter quoted “You have to be a great follower before you can ever lead”. This can mean many things but to me, it means that in order for you to be able to step up to leading, you must first learn how to follow. From Coach Carter’s message, I can learn that before trying to become a great leader, I first have to be a great follower. Without being a great educator, I have to be a great learner.
I look forward to becoming a great leader one day like Coach Carter was and still is.
Sincerely,
Aisatou Diallo
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