Karen Ronney has been a tennis coach for 25 years, and the last two at Patrick Henry High School. It's her coaching philosophy that makes her different.
Ronney was recently honored as the National Youth Sports Double-Goal Coach of the Year. She was selected over hundreds of coaches from around the nation because of her dedication to making her athletes better through goal setting, and better life skills.
"I like to make our kids physically ready, emotionally prepared to win with dignity or lose with grace," said Ronney
Her girls team is proof that her formula for success is working. Patrick Henry placed seven girls on the all-Eastern League team for the first time.
"This award is validation for what I've been doing," claimed Ronney. "I'm trying to teach our kids to be better human beings that will help them later in life."
She's most proud of Patrick Henry's championship doubles team of Anna Roberts and Jordan Wolz, who used to crack under pressure according to their coach. They've learned to adapt, and are obviously better prepared to handle it.
"Seeing them, and just seeing kids be better than they thought they could be is what it's all about," Ronney said with pride. "When you see our athletes succeed in tennis, life, and as individuals it's rewarding."
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It's nice to see a coach rewarded for doing it the "right way."
