And even though you're gone, you will never be forgotten

I told you I would write to you, or call you up some time. I guess some time flew by, sometimes too fast to catch a piece. Like today. One minute you're fine the next you're gone? This is a joke, isn't it? Like the ones we used to play on you in the middle of practice. "He's outside..everyone be quiet and get behind the curtain!" We thought we were so sneaky every time we did it. Every time. But you're not talking, say something. You're tricking us, aren't you? You used to try so hard to be mad at us when we played the 'Quiet Game' but you never could. You understood us. "I've coached over 100 girls in my carreer... I know how to act." And you did. Where you went, we followed. Where you pushed us, we trusted you to catch us. Where do we go from here? You were our protection. Our home away from home. As a matter of fact, I think we spent more time together as a team than with our own families. Because we were our own family. It's not just a ritual to say before every game.. It means something. "Family on three...One two three..Family!" You can't protect us anymore. We have to trust that you've prepared us enough to take control. And in a way you always have been preparing us. The things you taught on the court were also lessons off. We just needed to open our eyes. "The only way to beat pressure is to attack it." Who knew? Instead of shying away from pressure because you're scared of making a mistake-attack the point of which the pressure is applied.
Wake up! I still need you...We still need you. You're not done yet.
Will you watch over us? I know those shooting stars can get kinda distracting and the way your mind works I'm sure you'll have plenty of things to do. I bet where ever you are there's a huge Starbucks with an unlimited amount of straws! haha you and your coffee. Will you lead us from above? You were the only person we [the team] trusted 100% to be for us. On our side. Now what do we do?
I have to say though, for you, it was almost a perfect way to leave; doing exactly what you love. Basketball wasn't just a game to you... It was your religion. I remember Katie making a comment about going to church one morning and you responded, "Me too. I was at the gym for 2 hours." And you were. Every Sunday morning 10-12am, keeping in shape so you could run with us at practice.
This world has a funny way of working, huh? I'm gonna listen to my gut and know that everything happens for a reason... So somehow, someday, I know there will be a reason. Good people like you don't just leave and fade away. It doesn't work like that. You're my hero. I mean that with everything I have. No matter what situation you were in you would find a way to beat it and still have a smile on your face! We're gonna be okay, I promise. Because I know that in the back of everyone's mind they're thinking of you. We'll fulfill the dreams you had for us. Cause that's what family is for.
Rest In Paradise
-Lauren #11-