Woman from Grand Rapids marks half a century as a tennis coach

Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School honored coach Pat Williams on Wednesday evening with a celebration on the courts where she’s coached for decades. Williams, a trailblazer for women’s sports, has been coaching the Cougars’ tennis team for 50 years.

Williams, who started coaching when girls sports became available due to Title IX, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to coach and the joy of seeing girls play sports in high school. She shared her love for tennis, a sport she has been passionate about since a young age.

The celebration brought together dozens of former players, including some from Williams’ very first team. The event was a testament to the impact Williams has had on multiple generations of players, with some current players being the children of former players.

Despite her long coaching career, Williams shows no signs of slowing down. With a strong freshman group currently under her guidance, she remains dedicated to the sport and her players. The event highlighted the respect and admiration her former players have for her, with some even becoming coaches themselves.

As Coach Williams continues to inspire and mentor young athletes, her legacy in Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School’s tennis program remains strong. The celebration was a fitting tribute to her dedication and passion for the sport.