Hello,

Today, we ended our practice with an announcement regarding a suicide prevention event coming up within the next couple of months. I am very apologetic of the nature of surprise that this announcement may have brought to players.

*Please stop reading here if you are uncomfortable or feel triggered by the nature of this letter.

As a new coach, I understand there is a part of Arapahoe that I am not extremely familiar with. However, I know the devastating events that have occurred within our school district.

Although it is a very painful subject, I must take a moment to bring mental health to the attention of our team because it is too important to ignore. There is no shame what so ever in struggling but there is a way to lift the weight of those struggles. I want each member of this program to know that I am available to you 24/7. If you need to talk to someone, I will be there for you…no questions asked and as soon as possible.

There is a second piece of being available to you that I would also like to let each of you know. If you feel comfortable, when you think of one of your friends that is not on our earth with us any more whether it be a funny memory or just their presence, I want you to tell me (or text me) about it. Although they are not with us on this planet, they exist, and I want to celebrate them and know who they are. If you want to share with me and you are ready to do so, I want to listen, and this is an open invitation from now through the season and beyond.

Again, I know there is a lot of weight in this news posting, and I am sorry to bring it up, but I can not ignore something so powerful.

Thank you, and I can’t wait to continue with this amazing team.
I am so grateful to be a part of this family.