“The journey matters more than the destination.” Shawn Siemers, the head coach of cross country at Mayde Creek High School in Texas, molds young track and field athletes into champions. With a passion for guiding others, he shares the triumphs and challenges of his coaching journey on his X account, inspiring fellow coaches to elevate their programs and achieve greater success. He also empowers athletes to achieve the ‘impossible’ by attentively blending his track and field athletes’ feedback into his coaching methods.

Fifteen years down the road, he stands as one of the most driven and inspiring coaches, always putting his athletes first. But now, his journey faces an unexpected speed bump.

“I’ve lost the most important race of my life.” 

The

coach turned to X to share news that sent shockwaves through the track and field community. He revealed that he had been diagnosed with pilomatrix carcinoma, a rare tumor that arises from hair follicle matrix cells, most often found in the head and neck region. This unexpected announcement left many stunned, as the resilient coach bravely faced this new challenge in his life.

On the morning of June 28th, Shawn Siemers’ life took a sudden and unexpected turn. “The morning of June 28th hit me like a freight train. My phone rang. It was my doctor. ‘The biopsy shows you have cancer.'” What was thought to be a simple cyst turned out to be something much more sinister. “It wasn’t just cancer. It was a pilomatrix carcinoma. Rare as hell. Aggressive as a rabid dog.” With only 121 recorded cases ever, this diagnosis sent shockwaves through Shawn’s life, leaving him stunned and grappling with disbelief.

Despite his healthy lifestyle—running 40 miles a week and maintaining a balanced diet—Shawn found himself facing a battle he never expected. As thoughts of his wife, who had lost her father to skin cancer, filled his mind, he felt a surge of anger and determination. “No way in hell skin cancer’s taking me out,” he resolved, ready to face the fight ahead. On August 23rd, he underwent surgery, where a 20cm x 4cm chunk of his hip was removed. “My surgeon was a badass. Let me pick the music. We jammed to Metallica and AC/DC while she cut me open,” he recounted, finding moments of levity even in the darkest of times.

This experience, though harrowing, brought Shawn a profound shift in perspective. The once-control freak now understood what truly mattered: his wife, his runners, and the people in his life. “Cancer’s a hell of a teacher. It taught me life’s a gift. Running’s a gift. The people in my life are gifts,” he reflected. As he prepares for the next steps in his battle, including radiation, Shawn is determined to live each day fully. His advice to others is simple: “Stop stressing over your team’s performance. Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop wishing your life would change. Enjoy where you are now. Who you are now. The people around you.” With a renewed sense of purpose, he is embracing life’s precious moments with everything he has. “F*ck cancer. Live now.”

The track and field community has come together to send heartfelt wishes and messages of strength to their beloved coach as he battles cancer. With words of encouragement and get-well-soon notes flooding in, they stand united, offering their unwavering support during this challenging time.

Track and field community unites with heartfelt messages for the coach

Messages of support are pouring in for the coach, and one fan summed it up perfectly with, “You’re so freaking tough, you dang Warrior!” This shout-out really captures the coach’s fierce determination and the respect everyone has for him. The term “Warrior” is all about celebrating his incredible strength and grit as he faces this tough battle.

Another fan sent a boost of encouragement with, “You have not lost, sir. You will dominate this race!!!” Shawn Siemers fired back with his trademark resolve: “Yes sir! The game is over when I say it’s over.” His response radiated an unshakable determination, underscoring his belief that he controls his own fate, no matter the obstacles ahead.

One user reached out with a touching comment: “Sorry you have to deal with cancer. Thank you for sharing. It is eye-opening to see that anyone can suffer from health issues when they are considered ‘a healthy individual.’” This heartfelt message captured the profound impact of the coach’s story, revealing how even those who seem invincible can face unexpected struggles. It’s a reminder that we’re all vulnerable, no matter how strong or healthy we appear on the outside.

Another coach, who had never met Shawn Siemers before, joined the chorus of support from the track and field community with a heartfelt comment:

⁠”I didnt know this coach. Much respect for the way you continue to go about your business and continue to LIVE. Putting you in my prayers.” The tweet is inspiring even those who have never met him to offer their support and keep him in their thoughts.

As messages like,

“Coach, you’re an inspiration in more ways than many can count inside and outside of sports. Just know you have us in your corner of prayers & we appreciate you sharing this! Continue to fight!” keep pouring in, we’re deeply moved by the support and admiration flooding in from every corner. Each note of encouragement highlights the profound impact of Shawn Siemers’ bravery. As we stand with him in this fight, what are your thoughts on his incredible battle, and how will you share your support and best wishes?