Dear Kerr,
I’m not one to put my thoughts down like this, but I’ve been thinking about everything you’ve meant to this team, to me, and to the journey we’ve been on together. It’s hard to know where to start, but I’ll begin with this: Thank you.
Thank you for being the kind of teammate everyone needs, the kind of leader that doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. There are times when people only see the highlights—the crazy shots, the game-winning plays, the glories of the court—but what they don’t see is the way you show up day in and day out, even when it’s hard. They don’t see the hours you put in before anyone else, the mental grind you push through when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. And, trust me, I see it all. I see the work behind the scenes, the sacrifice, the moments you push past pain, doubts, and adversity to keep fighting. That’s what makes you a true leader, Kerr.
When I first joined the team, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the program had a rich history, and I knew that the expectations for us were always high. But what I didn’t realize was just how important you were to the heart of this team. You’ve been through your own battles—physically and emotionally—and you still give everything for the game and for us. You’ve faced challenges that most people would buckle under, but you always stand tall. It’s something I admire more than you probably know.
There’s a quiet fire in you, Kerr. It’s not the kind of fire that burns loudly or demands attention, but it’s a steady, consistent heat that pushes us all forward. And I think that’s why we all look up to you. We all know that no matter what happens, you’ll show up when it matters the most. There’s something about your confidence, the way you believe in yourself even when things aren’t perfect. You inspire me to keep believing when I doubt myself, and you show me how to carry myself even when life and basketball get tough.
I’ve learned so much from you, not just on the court but off of it as well. You’ve taught me that it’s okay to be vulnerable, that it’s okay to open up and lean on the people around you. It’s something I’ve struggled with for a long time, thinking I had to carry everything on my shoulders alone. But you’ve shown me that asking for help, showing emotion, letting your guard down—it’s all part of being strong, not weak. You’ve changed the way I see leadership, the way I see myself as a player, and the way I approach challenges. And for that, I’m grateful.
I know I haven’t always said it, but I hope you understand just how much I appreciate you, Kerr. There have been nights after tough losses when we’ve all been low, but it’s always been your steady presence that kept the group from falling apart. You’ve been the glue that holds us together, and I can’t tell you how much that means to me and to all of us. In a world where everyone’s quick to point fingers or place blame, you’ve always been the one to lift others up. You remind us that basketball is about the team, about each of us doing our part for something bigger than ourselves. It’s easy to forget that sometimes, but you never let us lose sight of it.
There’s a strength in you that not many people see, Kerr. The kind of strength that goes beyond physicality or skill. It’s the kind of strength that can take a punch, get back up, and keep pushing forward with no hesitation. You’ve faced so much adversity, yet you still find a way to make us better, every single day. And for me, that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
So I just want you to know that you’re not alone in this. I’m here for you, just as you’ve always been there for me. There are nights when I’m tired, when the world feels too heavy, but knowing that you’re by my side makes all the difference. We’ve got this, Kerr. We’ve been through too much to not finish strong. And no matter where this journey takes us, I’ll always have your back, just like you’ve always had mine.
Thank you for being the heart and soul of this team, for being someone I can rely on, and for showing me what true leadership looks like. We’ve got so much more to achieve, and I know we’ll get there, together.
With respect and gratitude,
Travis Perry
