Photo by: Matt Hawley/Pitt Athletics
Dear Track: A letter From Breanna Phillips
5/18/2022 12:00:00 PM | Track & Field
Dear Track,
It still doesn't feel quite real to be writing you this letter. It seems like only yesterday I was just an excited 5-year-old girl toeing the line for her first annual mile run, unaware of the wild journey this sport would bring me.
After many more painful loops at the track, you brought me to my first club track team in 7th grade. It was there that you taught me the importance of resilience. From repeat 1000s to high jump practice to long runs, quitting never felt more tempting but no matter what I couldn't walk away from you. As harsh as the practices were, the people I met and the places you brought me were twice as rewarding.
It wasn't long until you brought me to high school track and taught me the importance of accountability. As much as I loved hearing my name on the loud speaker after winning a race, I knew I wouldn't be able to have those moments without the countless hours spent on the track in practice.
Inevitably you started to follow me off the track and into my home where you taught me the importance of family. My dad and I would sit on the living room couch examining my races off his video recorder. Most nights we'd stay there until 2am watching my high jump videos in slow motion.
You should know, the only two people who cared about you more than me were my mom and dad. Even with her night shifts, my mom never missed a meet, always there to cheer me on as my dad sat next to her, video camera in hand.
It was thanks to them and my coaches that I ended up at the University of Pittsburgh where I could spend five more years with you. The next level wasn't easy, but when you were being challenging, I always knew a quick phone call home would give me the pick me up I needed to not give up.
Now as we near our end, I would like to thank you.
Thank you for the endless opportunities you've brought me, all the lessons you've taught me, and all the amazing people you've introduced me to. All the pain, all the glory, and all the memories.
I am forever grateful for the endless support offered to me from school, peers, teachers, friends, teammates, and family.
Sincerely,
Breanna Phillips
It still doesn't feel quite real to be writing you this letter. It seems like only yesterday I was just an excited 5-year-old girl toeing the line for her first annual mile run, unaware of the wild journey this sport would bring me.
After many more painful loops at the track, you brought me to my first club track team in 7th grade. It was there that you taught me the importance of resilience. From repeat 1000s to high jump practice to long runs, quitting never felt more tempting but no matter what I couldn't walk away from you. As harsh as the practices were, the people I met and the places you brought me were twice as rewarding.
It wasn't long until you brought me to high school track and taught me the importance of accountability. As much as I loved hearing my name on the loud speaker after winning a race, I knew I wouldn't be able to have those moments without the countless hours spent on the track in practice.
Inevitably you started to follow me off the track and into my home where you taught me the importance of family. My dad and I would sit on the living room couch examining my races off his video recorder. Most nights we'd stay there until 2am watching my high jump videos in slow motion.
You should know, the only two people who cared about you more than me were my mom and dad. Even with her night shifts, my mom never missed a meet, always there to cheer me on as my dad sat next to her, video camera in hand.
It was thanks to them and my coaches that I ended up at the University of Pittsburgh where I could spend five more years with you. The next level wasn't easy, but when you were being challenging, I always knew a quick phone call home would give me the pick me up I needed to not give up.
Now as we near our end, I would like to thank you.
Thank you for the endless opportunities you've brought me, all the lessons you've taught me, and all the amazing people you've introduced me to. All the pain, all the glory, and all the memories.
I am forever grateful for the endless support offered to me from school, peers, teachers, friends, teammates, and family.
Sincerely,
Breanna Phillips
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