News & Views
Legacy of Excellence
When Charlene Pearman received the offer to coach women’s tennis, she was apprehensive. Among other things she wondered how she would fit it into her schedule. Upon further consideration, Coach Pearman realized what took top priority in her life: ministry and tennis. She’d spent her life pouring her heart into both. Now she realized this was her chance to combine them. “What an incredible opportunity!” she said enthusiastically, “to lay a foundation for a program that would last.”
Coach Pearman’s heart is to instill vision in each player that steps onto her courts. She longs that each of her players share a discipleship mentality. Her desire is for the women’s team to spend time together in the word, in prayer, and in service. The team is responsible for raising funds for a mission trip once every four years. The girls currently participate in a team bible study on Sundays. Along with a concentrated spiritual emphasis Coach Pearman requires hard work from the girls; she knows they will reap success if they will sow dedication and uphold a strong work ethic. Five key points of the game the girls will focus on include: stroke production, footwork, fitness, strategy, mental toughness.
Pearman desires the girls to excel on and off the court. She stresses that academics take highest priority. She wants tennis to be “the memory maker, something to look back on and smile.” Coach Pearman said with a wink, “I want it to enhance [their] college experience.” She said her goal overall is to build a legacy of excellence, which will carry on to the next generation of OWU women’s tennis. Being the first women’s tennis team at OWU holds special significance to the team. On the back of their uniform shirts, it says, “One.” Brenda Gunter, a freshman from Colorado, explained, “Each player brings to the courts a unique personality, with differing strengths, which God has united as one.” This in mind, the slogan is a reminder that the team is to play for an audience of one.
Assistant Coach Linda Ritchie is an asset to the team. “She keeps us on track and organized,” said Amanda Beagle, a sophomore from Washington, “she brings a sense of light-heartedness. She’s encouraging and ready to advise. She takes care of us.” Her many years of experience in guiding high-level competitive tennis players greatly benefits the team; “She’s indispensable to me,” said Coach Pearman, “She fills in the gaps.” Coach Ritchie brings with her knowledge of nutrition, physical fitness, mental toughness, and sports psychology. Her husband, Pat Ritchie (P.R.) is the tennis pro at Hillcrest Country Club. P.R. spent November training the team. He analyzed each player and instructed her in ways to improve every aspect of her game. Head Coach Pearman said, “He has a passion for developing players,” and that is exactly what he has done. P.R. said of the players, “I’m really pleased with the improvements I’ve seen.” He and assistant coach Ritchie have been instrumental in providing the wonderful facility for practices and matches. The team is grateful for all of the Ritchie’s contributions; without them the season would be incomplete.