The adjective "exhilarating" referred to in the passage suggests that the coach's speech was:

The adjective "exhilarating" conveys a sense of excitement and invigoration, suggesting that the coach's speech was inspiring and uplifting. When something is described as exhilarating, it typically refers to an experience that energizes and motivates individuals, creating a positive emotional response. In the context of the coach's speech, an exhilarating address likely boosted the morale of the team, encouraging them to take action or feel more passionate about their upcoming challenges. The choice that reflects this intended effect is thus the one that indicates a sense of encouragement, underscoring how the speech aimed to uplift and invigorate the audience.