In high school, my track and field coach, Fred Miller, introduced me to the concept of commitment. For me, however, this lesson extended far beyond sports; it was about breaking free from the lingering mindset of segregation that still cast its shadow over my community. Before meeting Coach Miller in 1982, I grew up in an environment defined by scarcity—where generational poverty and the struggles of surviving as second-class citizens were a harsh reality. Breaking free from those circumstances seemed as impossible as trying to outrun my shadow. Yet, through extraordinary effort, my parents did everything they could to provide me with opportunities, granting me glimpses of privileges often denied to descendants of chattel slavery. Coach Miller saw something in me that transcended the track. I vividly remember a photo of us taken at my high school graduation in 1986. That moment marked the start of a journey I could never have foreseen. Years later, another photo captured us during my return to the school as a speaker. While the visible changes in my life were apparent, the enduring spirit of commitment he instilled in me remained unwavering. Through his teachings, I learned how to navigate life’s challenges, including reclaiming my health by reapplying the discipline and commitment I first embraced at age 14. This mindset extended well beyond athletics; it became the foundation for my writing career, enabling me to author 25 novels and narrate just as many audiobooks. That same dedication led me to a lifelong pursuit of endurance sports, from running the London Marathon and countless others to competing in Ironman triathlons. The principles of commitment and discipline that Coach Miller instilled in me have shaped my life—not just as a student-athlete, but as a lifelong achiever of goals. For that, I will always be grateful. Thank you, Coach Miller, for introducing me to a life principle that continues to serve me in every aspect of my journey.
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