David G. Sutton Memorial Scholarship

“You don’t have to win this match — but you owe it to yourself to fight for it.” I was down 0-5 in the final set. My legs were cramping, my serve had abandoned me, and my confidence was circling the drain. I remember thinking, “Maybe this just isn’t my day.” That’s when Coach knelt beside me during the changeover and looked me dead in the eye. “You’ve already done the hard part,” he said. “Now finish what you started.” It wasn’t the loudest speech he ever gave — but it was the one that stuck. That day, I clawed back point by point, game by game. I didn’t just win the match — I found a new gear inside myself, one built on grit, not glory. And that shift didn’t just help me on the court. It’s helped me everywhere since. Coach was tough. He wasn’t the type to sugarcoat things or let you settle for 80% effort. But underneath the firm exterior was someone who genuinely cared — about who we were as players, yes, but more about who we were becoming as people. He taught me that real toughness doesn’t come from yelling or slamming rackets — it comes from showing up when you want to give up. It comes from choosing character over convenience. That’s something I carry with me every day. Whether I’m grinding out a late-night study session after practice or helping a teammate find their rhythm after a tough loss, I try to lead the way Coach led — by lifting others up, even when it’s easier to just focus on yourself. From what I’ve read about David G. Sutton, I can’t help but feel like I would’ve loved playing for him. The booming voice, the never-ending wit, the loyalty to his players — he reminds me so much of my own coach. Tough, but with a huge heart. Competitive, but never at the cost of compassion. A coach who saw the whole kid, not just the athlete. Dave's life showed what it means to coach with love and live with loyalty. I try to honor that same spirit in the way I treat my teammates, teachers, friends — even strangers. I believe the true mark of an athlete isn't in the stats or trophies, but in how you respond when you’re losing, how you lead when no one’s watching, and how you treat the people around you, win or lose. If I’m lucky enough to receive this scholarship, I won’t just see it as an award — I’ll see it as a responsibility. A responsibility to keep showing up. To keep supporting others. To keep fighting, no matter the score. Just like Dave did.

I’ll never forget the day Coach Johnson pulled me aside after practice. I had just finished running laps, my legs felt like jelly, and I was convinced I would never make the varsity basketball team. Coach Johnson had a reputation for being tough but fair, and his piercing gaze had a way of making you stand at attention. "I've seen you improve every single day," he said, his booming voice echoing in the empty gym. "But you need to believe in yourself as much as I believe in you." That moment was a turning point for me. Coach Johnson's unwavering faith in my abilities made me push through my self-doubt and work harder than I ever had. Under his guidance, I not only made the varsity team but also became a starter by the end of the season. His encouragement didn't stop on the court. He checked in on my grades and even helped me prepare for college interviews, teaching me the importance of dedication and perseverance in all areas of life. Dave was a loyal friend to those who knew him, had a huge heart, a booming voice, a never-ending wit, and an amazing sense of humor. He was an athlete, but coaching was always his calling. Throughout his life, Dave coached all levels of basketball, baseball, and football. He was a tough coach with a huge heart who always tried to get the best out of his kids and lift them up both on and off the field. These are the qualities I strive to emulate in my own life. Like Dave, I believe in the power of lifting others up and helping them see their potential. As a volunteer youth basketball coach, I focus on building my players' confidence and resilience. I encourage them to embrace challenges, just as Coach Johnson encouraged me. I understand the impact a mentor can have, and I aim to be that source of support and inspiration for my team. In my academic and personal life, I embody the traits Dave valued. I approach every task with determination, whether it's studying for an exam or organizing a community event. I use humor to create a positive environment and help others feel at ease. My experiences as both a player and a coach have taught me the importance of heart, dedication, and lifting others up—values that Dave held dear and ones that I carry with me every day.

In honor of David G. Sutton, this scholarship aims to support those who embody Dave’s fighting spirit and supportive nature. I am honored to apply for this scholarship and to share with you how a coach positively impacted my life and how I embody the ideals and traits that made Dave one in a million. A coach can have a profound impact on a person’s life and can shape who they become as an individual. This is certainly true in my case, as I have the privilege of being coached by Coach Leydig, a truly remarkable person who changed my life in countless positive ways. I first met Coach Leydig when I joined the lacrosse team in high school. He was our head coach, and I knew he was special from the moment I met him. He was the kind of coach who was always there for his players, no matter what. He was always encouraging, pushing us to be our best, and making us believe in ourselves when we didn’t. One of the things that I admire most about Coach Leydig is his selflessness. When I learned that his daughter, Hope, had been diagnosed with leukemia, I immediately sprang into action. It was the moment for me to be selfless for my coach and his family during their time of need, just like Coach Leydig has demonstrated to me time and time again. Our team organized a spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help raise money for Hope’s medical expenses, and I was honored to be part of the team that helped plan and run the event. The fundraiser was a huge success, and we raised over $13,000 for Coach Leydig’s family. But even more impressive was how our entire community rallied around the cause. Coach Leydig brought people together, created a sense of purpose, and showed what can be accomplished when people work together for a common goal. It was genuinely humbling to show him what we’ve learned from him. Through the years, I’ve realized Coach Leydig’s immeasurable positive impact on my life. He taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and determination and helped me develop a strong fighting spirit. He also helped me understand the importance of supporting and lifting up others. These lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and have shaped the person I am today, both on and off the lacrosse field. I am fortunate to have a coach, another example of a one-in-a-million coach, just like David G. Sutton. I am as committed to positively impacting others, just as Dave and Coach Leydig have. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue developing my character through my lacrosse team and my community.