In 2018-19, the Mountain East Conference began its "Dear Sport" initiative where student-athletes in the conference were encouraged to write a letter to their sport. The initiative provides the opportunity for student-athletes to express in their own words the impact that sports has played in shaping them throughout their lives. 

Click here to view all letters posted throughout the year. 

Below is a letter from Maddie LaVoie, a cross country runner at Fairmont State.

My Dear Cross Country,

I write to express my undying appreciation for you.  You know, everyone benefits from hearing their value from time to time.  Our friendship is quite a unique one. We have been through so much together over the years.  You helped carry me through some of my most challenging times. You’ve been by my side as I made some of my favorite memories and formed some of my closest friendships. You have been my right-hand man through it all.

We have a pretty typical beginning, our relationship started approximately sixteen years ago.  I knew I wanted you in my life when I was a scrawny, blonde, fluffy-haired five year old. It all began with the camps and clubs my parents found for me.  It was at this young age when I determined you really were the one for me. As I grew, my love and dedication for you grew as well. Your commitment to me would prove to be unwavering.

As competitiveness and competition intensified in high school, I knew I wanted to give you the best opportunity to thrive.  I did this by committing myself to you each practice, by making little sacrifices in your best interest, and by making you a top priority each day.  I quickly came to the terms that you’re always going to be in my life. It was in high school when you introduced me to my closest friends, my teammates.  It was their faithful companionship that helped keep me sane through all the high school traumas and dramas. As high school came to a close I knew still I wanted and needed you in my life.  I went through big changes as I began the transition from high school to college, you were a constant companion through it all.

We made big adjustments as we moved from high school to the local community college.  A new coach and a whole new team proved to be exactly what you and I needed. We began thriving in this new environment, becoming even closer with this new team than I ever thought possible.  Turns out the best bonding is done over pasta dinners and countless “hillish” runs. I have no doubt these people that you brought to me, will be my forever friends. It was then when things took a wildly unexpected turn.

My relationship with you was put to the test beginning on January 15th, 2016.  On that Friday afternoon, I was involved in what most would call a freak accident.  I was accidentally pushed into a trophy case at school. Ironically, the trophy case actually contained the cross country awards.  But you didn’t hold a grudge! The broken glass cut through my lower left calf, ripping through my muscle, and severing multiple nerves and tendons.  It was this quick slip that would forever change my life.

Early on after the accident there were so many doctors telling me that running again would never be possible.  There was even a brief period of time when we thought I would lose my leg entirely. It was through this crazy time in my life when you knew I needed you most.  My family, coaches, and teammates were there with me every step of the way. They were the ones encouraging me not give up on you even when my doctors were telling me to find a new passion.  After three surgeries, including two nerve transplants, my rehab process had only just begun.

After months spent on crutches, hobbling to countless doctors appointments, and endless hours spent in physical therapy, I was finally cleared to be with you again.  With a new set of goals and dreams, I was more determined than ever to pursue you. My leg will never be the same, but that didn’t seem to bother you. You were so willing to start slow and work with me as I began to rebuild myself.  You helped pick me up when I was feeling discouraged, and you were there to celebrate as I began reaching goals. You even lead me to run for a University. This was another goal that, at one point, seemed impossible.

Through this insane journey you have inspired me to push through any obstacle thrown in my direction.  You have shown me what true friendship is and you have given me the drive to shine through the trials. If this were a toast, I’d raise my glass to you, Cross Country:  For all you've been and all you'll continue to be...thank you for seeing me through the hills and valleys of life one step at a time.

With love,
Maddie LaVoie
Fairmont State University