The following letter to the community was reprinted at the request of the author.
To the Community of Wilton, CT,
Thank you.
Thank you for your unwavering support of our [Wilton High School Varsity] girls’ basketball program; for your incredible authenticity, willingness to help in an abundance of ways (monetarily, physically, vocally, silently), and for the tremendous opportunity you offer our girls, and coaching staff to represent your fine town. As we planned varied events all season, you were there in full force to support us.
Thank you for sharing your children with us. Thank you for allowing your children to be coached, developed, and mentored in a positive manner. Thank you for allowing us to continue to take strides forward in aligning and cohesively joining each of us–players, future warriors, fans, parents, administration, teachers, colleagues, grandparents, strangers, and visiting teams–to understand what high school sports are all about: creating positive memories to enhance future experiences. Special thanks to our Booster Club (and our co-presidents, Vicki Lynch and Linda Sweeny) and the Wilton Basketball Association for their unparalleled support, both personally and professionally.
Having the opportunity to coach in this town is incredibly special, and has been an honor of mine since 2009. While we fell short of our on-the-court goal this season, our main message to the student-athletes was to ‘Be the Difference,’ in every facet of their lives: to play for one another, for their town, and for their school before playing for individual accolades or accomplishments; to play as a unit, to become better people first, and basketball players second. We accomplished this goal.
We are extremely excited to support our counterparts–the boys’ team–as they vie for the first FCIAC title in program history tonight. We wish them the best of luck, and cannot wait to be there to support them, as our community has been so good at doing for both programs this season.
Finally, thank you to Erica Smith, and co-captain Meaghan Downey, for their leadership, their values, their heart, and their commitment. Whatever you choose to do in life, we know you’ll continue to Be the Difference.
Until next Thanksgiving,
Rob Coloney
Head Coach
Wilton Girls Varsity Basketball