Tennis coach Williams to step down
After 19 years at helm
"I’m not going away. But it’s time for some new
blood."
That’s what Wood River High School tennis coach Nancy
Williams said Monday as she prepared to take the Wolverines to the State
Class B tennis tournament in Boise.
Earlier this month, Williams informed Wood River athletic
director Charley Miller that she has decided to step down after 19 years
building one of the most successful racquet programs in the state of
Idaho.
"I’m so proud of the kids over the years and the
great record they’ve had for Wood River," she said.
Starting as tennis coach in 1982, Williams coached Wood
River to seven district team championships and three state titles—in
1982, 1986 and 1988.
Her individual state winners were two girls’ doubles
teams, Adele Allender and Anise Morrow in 1982, and Marianne Moore and Ann
Ferries in 1986, and two boys’ singles players, John Jacoby in 1986, and
John Driscoll in 1989 and 1990.
Winning is important, but it’s not the only thing for
coach Williams. "I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned and how
much the kids have given me. It’s been such a tremendous part of my
life," she said.
Although her support of Wolverine players is a constant
source of strength, the thing that sets Williams apart as a coach is her
generosity toward other teams and players.
She said, "It’s very exciting, how the level of
tennis has gone up so much in our district."
Spanish teacher Williams, a 26-year Blaine County School
District teacher, is chairman of the foreign language department at Wood
River. She plans to continue in those duties—and play some more tennis.
She has mixed feelings about retiring as coach. "On
the one hand, I can’t stop doing it and on the other hand, I have
to," said Williams, who informed her players this week.
"But now, at least I can go to a district meet and
watch a whole match for a change!"
Williams has one son, 31-year-old Jed Smith, a Wood River
High School graduate who is living in Kauai where he makes furniture and
works as a fireman.
