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Sports

Severna Park High School Tennis Coaches Stepping Down

After several successful years at SPHS, Kathy Zingler and Nan Littlejohn are leaving the program on a high note.

Seven years ago Kathy Zingler became the head coach of theennis team.  A year later she was joined by assistant coach Nan Littlejohn.  Together they brought two key ingredients to the team – experience and fun.

Both Zingler and Littlejohn actively compete in adult leagues.  When they tell their players they know how it feels to miss that serve, have an 'off day ' or even kick a little butt on the tennis court, they aren’t talking about their glory days or long dormant memories.  Instead, they apply and share the lessons they learn on a daily basis through practices and meets with their students on the court.

“I think that it carries a little extra weight with the kids knowing that Nan and I still compete,” Zingler said.

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The Falcons were undefeated this year in the regular season and in the County Championship Tournament as well.  Their success meant that 10 of the 14 top players went on to play in the regionals. 

This year’s success is bittersweet for both Zingler and Littlejohn, as both announced at the recent team banquet that they would be stepping down.

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Zingler believes there is an added ingredient to her team’s success.

“We had fun,” Zingler said. “It helps that Nan makes me laugh. She and I had a great time and that showed through to the kids.  The whole team really enjoyed the season."

"We have been so fortunate to have had both Kathy and Nan's guidance and leadership for so many years at SPHS," said Melissa Albers, a school parent.

"A good coach, in my opinion, is one who coaches the whole athlete. There's more to life than just the sport and both of these fine women have an exceptional understanding of this and the kids respect them more because of their love and compassion for them on and off the court.

It isn't just about the final score. These kids are walking away knowing what hard work, respect and love for the game is all about due to the coaching expertise of Kathy Zingler and Nan Littlejohn," said Albers.

Coach Zingler would not be the coach she is if she didn’t deflect the glory from herself.  As we spoke about the team’s success she made clear that it was the players who deserve the credit. 

“My two senior captains especially deserve a lot of credit,” she said. “Both of the captains were on the team all four years. This season Pam Block was part of the mixed doubles team that made it to States.

"She had a very good career and a great senior year. Our other captain, Tyler Deitrick, was part of our number one boys double team.  And he was 10 and one this year in the regular season.”

“The coaches, Kathy and Nan, helped us a lot and I always felt like I could talk to them about my game and go to them for advice when I needed it. I know that the whole team will miss them a lot next year," said Rebecca Henry.

Henry’s mom, Jenny agreed. “They understand each of their players, their good and not so good parts.  The fact that they are always offering encouraging words, making the games fun for the players and caring for their feelings makes it easier for players to accept their own flaws and willing to try harder to learn more," she said.

"They are good coaches and it's going to be hard to find replacements for theses two. They will be greatly missed by the team and parents.”

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