Search the site...

Josh Howard Sports
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact

Ethan Taylor: Voice of the Athlete

1/21/2022

0 Comments

 
 Coaches can make lifelong impacts on athlete’s lives, particularly during trying times. The disappointments that many high school athletes have felt over the last couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic are lasting, but a caring coach can often make a profound difference in the lives of these athletes. 
           
For Ethan Taylor, defensive coordinator Peter Ladas was more than a coach. Taylor, a 2021 graduate, played football at the school all four years and recently wrote a letter to his former high school defensive coach as an assignment for an engineering class at the University of Connecticut. Below is Taylor in his own words.  
           
“Dear Coach Ladas,
           
When asked to write a letter in my Engineering 1000 level class to someone who has helped me grow as a person, there was no doubt in my mind that you would be the perfect person to write to.
           
I am writing this letter to you as a sign of appreciation for all that you have done for me, and the football team in general. During my freshman and sophomore years, I had a strong urge to stop playing the sport that I used to love so much. However, at the end of my sophomore year, I decided to stick with the sport… and I’m so thankful that I did.
           
My junior year of football was most definitely the best one yet. That year I felt I have grown the most as both a person and a football player. The sport alone teaches an individual tons of valuable lessons and skills, like leadership capabilities, perseverance, and grit. However, with your help, I was able to learn so much more. You were a role model for the entire team; someone who had the team’s respect and attention the second you walked in the door. Although we may not have had the best season performance-wise, you helped push us and shape us into who we are today, and for that, I am forever thankful.
           
While you may already know, I am currently majoring in Chemical Engineering at UConn Storrs. I found my passion for Chemical Engineering senior year, taking AP Chemistry. Although my major may not be directly correlated to football, every day I use the lessons and skills that both the sport and you as a coach have taught me.
           
Also, while our school may not have a club football team, I do aspire to pick up baseball again next year, hopefully playing for the club team. I already have a decent amount of work, but I really do want to continue with your teachings and push myself to be the best version, always learning and improving. For that reason, I hope that club baseball will be able to fill the void that I so dearly miss.
           
I may not have been able to watch a football game this year, but in the near future, I would love to get some of the guys back together and come to watch the team play. I wish both you and the team the best of luck next season - I know for a fact that they’re in good hands.
           
Once again, thank you for all that you have done for me, and the rest of the crew!
           
Your favorite strong safety,
 Ethan Taylor”
           
​Ladas, who has been coaching football at GHS since 2019, responded to Taylor’s letter by posting, “Wins and losses to the side, it always makes my day to be reminded of why I do what I do. I’ve got so many great relationships with former players that will last a lifetime and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. Thank you, Ethan Taylor, your future is very bright!”
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Sports Editor for the Rare Reminder, Glastonbury Citizen, and Rivereast News Bulletin 

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    April 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly