Rachel Harris Commits

Retirement Plan!

Congratulations Rachel!! ALL of the Miller crew is happy for you and I know you will squeeze every ounce of the college experience you can out of Wellsley before you leave that place.

I also know that your mom and dad feel a little more secure in their retirement knowing that their Ivey League schooled child will be able to take care of them in their old age

God Bless!

 

thanks...

thank you to all those who responded. As with anyone who has been down this road knows this journey has been a long and interesting adventure to say the least. There are, however, several people who have been instrumental in Rachel's success and I want to acknowledge them:

Harvey Renfro: Knowing Harvey he may never read this but perhaps some TBR member will pass along what I have to say. Many years ago I realized that we had to move beyond Surry County with our travel ball play and Harvey was the first person to give Rachel and Sarah a chance. I dont think any young lady is quite ready for that first effort of "going down the road" but Harvey believed in my girls. I will never forget the first time we drove to Charlotte (2 hrs +/-).. we pull up and the bottom literally falls out and the practice is rained out. We had some "rediculous" great times on the field and off with Harvey who was the best motivator of young ladies I have ever seen. I still wish we could replay that 14U season.. Guru I think if we had not had some injuries we could have given your Blues team a run for their money!

John Fagala: Many of you know me on TBR as something of a word merchant but I dont have the vocabulary to describe what John means to our family and especially to Rachel. We had a great season at 12U when we won NSA states and I still proudly wear my Lady Blues pull over with that sewn on the back! We had a great team when John asked Rachel back at the end of 14U and then 16U and 18U. I never had such a peace and enjoyment for the game as when we played for John. He knew how to treat the young ladies he was entrusted with. He knew what was important and he spent every free moment at the showcase tournmaments we played talking to parents and coaches where appropriate. I do not know why we just didn't dominate with the talent we had on that team. But what I do know is that every young lady who played for John respected him and more importantly loved him and this was exhibited everywhere we have been when we see one of these former team mates and the hugs and the kisses that are exchanged tell all that needs to be said. Rachel wept openly when John's team folded as she left the last post game huddle. She knew as I did what a special place in time it was. John, we will never forget what you did for Rachel. We love you!

Rodney: Everyone knows what Rodney has done for FP in this state but I have to say I think he is the most underappreciated person in this sport. He has faced many personal challenges over the past few years but yet he continues to just suck it up and all for the singular reason of helping kids realize a dream. Rodney I told you on the phone that I hope you really understood what doors you opened for Rachel. She had to go to Boulder to be seen by those schools she wanted to go to. You opened that door.. a door of which has led to a world of truely unlimited potential at a school where she was wanted, that has a top notch softball program but also, and most importantly, posseses an incredible academic reputation. Rachel will always be a Lady Blue! I have worn our Lady Blues apparell with great pride and will continue to do so.

These three men are all princes of our sport. I wanted to acknowlege them as we prepare for the last leg of the softball journey. I also want to recognize Robert Miller who has always been a close friend and confidant through the years with the Heat and later the Lady Blues.

Lastly let me thank my daughter Rachel. No kid every worked harder and no kid ever listened to a parent more than Rachel. Rachel you deserve every ounce of sucess that is coming your way! I love you and am SO PROUD!!

For those you who are still on the journey I hope you have the emminant good fortune of associating your self with men as good as those I mention above. If you are that lucky you will indeed have great memories.

 

Very nice. Congrats to Rachel and the Harris family.