Lacey Tennis Coach Fred Reed Retires After 24 Years

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Submitted by North Thurston Public Schools

Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater high schools’ Season Three sports finish up this month. It also marks the end of a stellar career for long time Lacey tennis coach Fred Reed.

Reed completes his 24th year coaching tennis in Lacey, Thursday when North Thurston faces Yelm in boys tennis. His first 2 seasons were at River Ridge High School and then he moved to North Thurston for the next 22 seasons.

A highlight for Reed was taking athletes to state competitions 19 times. “For me coaching has been really exciting,” Reed stated when asked about his career as a coach.  “I love the sport. I have been playing since 1975. It has been fun. It has been rewarding. I would do it all over again.”

For North Thurston, whose team had 14 players this year, the 2021 boys season was quick and fast and a bit of a challenge on the court. “We have quite a few young players and just have not had much time to practice this year but we have learned many of the games basics and fundamentals,” Reed explained.

Reed was grateful for the support of North Thurston Public Schools, especially during COVID and the opportunity the district gave the kids to play. “A lot of the kids were not doing much when COVID hit and I really appreciate the support of the district opening sports this season and not having them pay, which allowed them to come out to be themselves, have fun and not have any pressure,” he said.

For Reed the joy and opportunity to coach has not only been about sharing his love for the game but the connection he has made with parents and athletes. “One of the awesome things is having the relationships built with kids even after they are out of high school and college,” Reed shared. “I just enjoyed and appreciate the kids that played and the parents that allowed me to coach them over the years. It has been a lot of fun.”

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