Dear Coach K, I've never met you, though you've walked past me many times on a stretch of beach called Pine Knoll Shores. I didn't want to bother you, but wish I had known about your gift to Steve Mitchell. His departure from this earth has offered the story of a life well-lived. Steve was the man who sat behind you in Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium for the last 37 years and I know you miss him this season. He did a lot in his sixty plus years. He was born with Down syndrome and his family shrugged off the doctors and took him right home. He was integrated in an era that made his parents ground breakers; school or church, Steve was there. I am a special needs mama too and with parenthood comes advocacy, their forging a path has benefited so many. You called Steve "a good friend who had some challenges." What a gift of inclusive language. The story goes that in 1980 the only thing Steve Mitchell wanted for Christmas was a Duke basketball ticket, not an easy score, but Steve's brother had a construction company and was hired to renovate the new coach’s, Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski, house. He asked you how one might find a ticket to buy and explained his brother’s Christmas wish. “He can sit behind me,” you said. Did you know how life changing that gift would be? The following season, Steve wrote you a letter saying, “Coach, I know we’re going to have another great year. I was hoping that I could sit near you again.” You said yes to a family that may have heard no far more often. He wrote you a letter every year for 37 years and this is the first season that a ticket, reserved for one Steve Mitchell, isn’t waiting at will call. Steve would collect his ticket and make his way to his seat behind you (usually with the help of his favorite usher, Fran), a tradition that was life changing for his self-confidence, according to his family. You shook his hand before every game. Thank you, Coach K. Mamas of special needs kids know that kindness extends far beyond team affiliation and we know that our team is the best of all. Welcome to the club. And to Steve? Godspeed, my friend and thank you. Love, Adrian (Amos's mom)
Coach K is a class act! The handshake at the beginning of each game made me cry even harder. He changed Steve’s life and for that, I respect him even more (although I don’t know Steve or Coach K). I have a young man that is my assistant with Downs Syndrome. We do the basketball bracket together each year as we both are huge fans. This story really resonated with me because I thought of what this would mean if it happened closer to home. Enjoy your retirement Coach and keep holding your wife’s hand!
I have never met Coach “K” either but watching Duke basketball & listening to interviews he has given,it seems I do know him . He is an extrodinary person who knows how to make people want to be better than themselves. It’s a simple formula. Treat people like you would like to be treated, be humble,be kind & be considerate of other people who are not as fortunate. Know & appreciate their strengths & help them to expand on them. This is Coach “K’s” last year at Duke. He is a legend & we can only hope that someone worthy will pick up his torch & carry It on. To Steve Mitchell RIP. He was so fortunate to have known the man & mentor for the 36yrs and to be such good friends, God Bless
What a great story and coach K is not only a great coach but a great person. It’s nice to now that there are great people in this world. To coach K have a great retirement when the time comes.
What a wonderful man you are Coach 🏀🏀!
A life well-lived, an action from the heart and a legacy of kindness that should never be forgotten. ❤
Coach K has always impressed me and this story solidifies what an incredible man he is besides a great coach - thank you for sharing!
What a great example of #bethechangeyouwishtosee If we could all be more inclusive and kind what a beautiful world we would find
Coach K is a better human being than he is a coach. And look at all he accomplished as a coach.
As a niece with an aunt who had Down Syndrome, and has since passed, this brings tears to my eyes. She is was so very special in our lives and they all truly touch your heart is ways you could never imagine. So very well said Lisa Papazian. ❤️
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2yAs the father of a young man with some challenges of his own... this story really resonates with me. Thank you Coach K for caring so much about your friend. Your example is excellent, to say the least. My son loves sports too and the interaction with the game is the most important thing in his life. I'm grateful for those in the games that take the time to make my son special. I remind myself that most of those with special needs had no choice in the matter and they need our help in so many ways. Let's show them we care and set an example for those that are uncaring for one reason or another. Thank you for posting this story.