The 2018-19 season is over. Drew, Leah, and I are all so glad we were able to finish out the final tournament of the year with all of our students.

You guys crushed it.

Novices broke to outrounds for the first time. Seasoned competitors took speech events to finals. Ace Peak students picked up roughly half of all the top 3 finishes, accounting for 29 entrances into the Stoa Hall of Fame. We are amazed by our students, and are so proud of you for succeeding.

But we also recognize that for some of you this week was extraordinarily difficult.

Some of you didn’t advance when you had been winning tournaments all year. Some of you fell just one ballot short of their tournament goal. And others didn’t finish anywhere near their ideal placing.

Even in those valleys, remember this:

Your reaction to failure is always more important than the failure itself.

No one can live a full life without experiencing the heartbreak of failure. Joseph and I counseled dozens of you as tears streamed down your face and your dreams fell apart. In each of these conversations, Drew and I watched as you owned your losses. As you took responsibility for your failures. And as you began to build a path for the future.

Drew and I love to see you guys succeed. But nothing makes us prouder than witnessing the growth of your character.

We will always celebrate with you when your efforts come to fruition. And when everything crumbles to pieces, we will stand by you and encourage you to keep walking.

It’s why we coach.

For those of you heading to NCFCA Nationals next week, Drew and I are cheering you on from Texas and China. Don’t hesitate to check in and let us know how you’re doing.

We have some exciting announcements coming this summer (spoiler alert: we’re signing a new coach in June). Whether in camp settings or Skype sessions, we look forward to kickstarting the adventure of next year.

Let’s make the 2019-20 season our strongest yet.