Well done!

Congratulations, Coach, on completing a marvelous career!  Retirement is a wonderful time of life -- and I have heard that it is busier than ever for many folks!  I can imagine your marvelous talents will be used in so many terrific ways.   Let me thank you for helping me learn a number of important life lessons, which have had more lasting value than the volleyball techniques and strategies you taught.  From you and our team, I learned about effective leadership, diligence, reaching beyond limits, teamwork, and so much more.  Most importantly, I learned about myself and was able to define what is most important to me for my happiness -- and I have followed that, with splendid results and much joy!  These lessons saved me a lot of trouble and have made me more effective as a full-time missionary, as a college student, as a professional, as a wife, and as a servant in the Lord's vineyard.  You helped build a strong foundation for indeed a wonderful life!   Here is the nutshell version of my "rest of the story"-- at least so far.  After Ricks, I went to BYU (Provo), earned a bachelors degree in public relations, and served a mission to Japan. I completed an internship at Carnegie Hall in NYC.  Returned to Salt Lake City and began a career in marketing in healthcare and technology industries. In the meantime, I earned an MBA from the University of Utah, and sang with Mormon Youth Chorus, Lex de Azevedo's Millennium Choir, and Utah Opera. I met my husband online and moved to California to join him after we married (5 years running strong). We have a toddler who is an absolute delight! I continue singing and performing, which helps my soul breathe. I am currently serving in the Relief Society in my ward.   May the years ahead be the best yest! And may you be blessed the way you have blessed so many others throughout your life.   Cheers, Brenda (Longhurst) Christensen Middle hitter `89-'91