Another Departure :[

Again, sadness overwhelms me to see one of my favorite Coaches leave. When I received his email about leaving MIHS, I felt my heart sink to the depths. Although I heard about him leaving after the year of '09, I hoped with all my heart that he wouldn't leave us.

I've only been with Coach Jeff Lowell for one year while my sister has been with him for all 4 years (I think) of her high school. It occurs to me that I've known Coach Jeff for so long, but that might be because he coached my sister in swimming too.

Although I have only been with him for a year, I want to thank him for all that he's done. During this past swim season, I've learned and experienced a lot and now I'm sad that he's leaving already.

Here, I want to make my thanks to him public.

Dear Coach Jeff,

You have given me many memories from swimming in MI for my first year. When I appeared for swim team, I admired how much you wished for each swimmer to be doing their best. Taking their own talent and giving their all. From when my sister was in MI Swim & Dive, I've admired you. I admire the way you touch on every little detail of a swimmer (even when there's over 50 swimmers). I really don't know how you do that. You are such an amazing Coach. You also taught each swimmer the value of life, and how to give it your all. Not only did you teach each and every swimmer how to swim, but you also added on to their life. You taught us how to live life to the fullest. I have learned so much from you in such little time. Thank you so much for your time and efforts in Mercer Island High School. I feel so blessed to know a coach like you.

Although we're all sad to see you go, I know that this may be for the best. I hope to keep in touch. We will all miss you Jeff.

Love you!!!
~Heather

P.S. I've attached a picture of me diving into Lake Washington the Sunday before my birthday of this year. My friend took it. After showing me the taken picture, I smiled and thought to myself, "This is what I've learned from the MI Swim Coach, Jeff Lowell." I've always thought my dive was ugly until I came across this picture. I've never worked on my dive more than what I have done with the MI Girls Swim Team. Thanks so much for working with me on every little detail with me. I seriously cannot thank you enough.