Nomination letter for Margaux Bruce

To Whom It May Concern,

Please accept this letter as a nomination of Miss Margaux Bruce of Marion High School for the Pitchford Sportsmanship Award for the 2021 girls tennis season.

I would assume that it is rare for you to receive a letter of nomination from an opposing coach, and especially from a coach of one of the strongest rivals of that team! Marion girls tennis has been a thorn in my side for all of the 16 seasons that I've spent coaching the Herrin High School girls tennis team. However, over those years, my respect for the program at Marion has been strong. The qualities of player and person that Marion produces are amongst the best that we compete against. Margaux Bruce exemplifies those qualities.

When Margaux started as a freshman she was small and inexperienced. She was already, though, a tough tennis opponent for my very experienced team. More than that, however, she was fun to watch play. She never gave up on a point and always had a smile on her face. Over the course of her four years of high school tennis, seeing Margaux grow from an inexperienced backboard of a player who was always smiling into a beast of an athlete with intensity and power….with a smile on her face, was very enjoyable!

Margaux's sportsmanship was always on full display. That smile was ever present. Oftentimes, I would have players lose to Margaux and complain that she made it so easy to lose to her because she was so nice. She complimented and gave tips to our younger players. Margaux is also involved with helping a local pro to teach young kids the game that she loves.

I've seen, through social media posts, numerous occasions where she is helping with the local youth tennis programs.

Finally, Margaux always had a hello, or a kind word for myself, the opposing coach. She represented her team, her school, her coach, and her family as well as anyone I've coached against in those 16 years.

I would absolutely recommend Margaux for any award related to sportsmanship that could possibly be given.

Sincerely,

Matt Snell

Girls Tennis Coach,

Herrin High School