Phil E. Quinn

(www2.hoover.k12.al.us)

It’s amazing how some people can be in such tragic points in their lives that they almost seem unrealistic. Then they come out determined to help others. A great example of that would be my hero, my softball trainer, role model, and friend. His name is Phil Quinn, or in my case, Coach Quinn. He’s the kind of guy who always has a positive attitude and encourages you do your best no matter what; but he’s not your typical “Practice makes perfect” coach.

He’s currently the head coach and trainer of his softball club and has published two books and is in the process of publishing another. Only knowing this, you would have never guessed his terrifying past. As a child, he and his siblings were beaten by his alcoholic dad. After a terrifying night of abuse, the government took over and tore his family apart from each other. Phil Quinn was separated from his mom and siblings and was tossed from foster home to orphanage to foster home, and the majority of them mistreated him. But this story has a happy ending. Today, Phil Quinn has four grandchildren, runs a softball club, and lives a very successful and happy life. He also talks to different sports teams and does team builders. In these team builders, he explains how it’s important to work and play together as a team.

Coach Quinn is my hero because he’s kind, giving, courageous, and has persevered throughout his life to get where he is now. He has shown me that no matter how hard life is, just work hard and you’ll get through it.