Alum closes Blair coaching stint with tennis camp

Youngsters serve, play at the net

Posted

Now-former Blair High School coach Dallas Roach finished up with her alma-mater July 27 during the final day of the Bears' tennis camp at Stemmermann Park.
There a small group of youngsters worked on their serves on the baseline and backhands at the net, learning about the game from the 2017 graduate and her sister, Jazmyne — a willing volunteer.
“I think it's awesome when the little kids come to this camp because it's introducing it to them when they're young,” Roach said. “It gives them a chance to kind of get a feel of what this sport is.”
Next month, the former BHS tennis and assistant basketball coach will officially start her teaching career away from home. But, for three more mornings last week, she was still a Bear first.
The reason was simple. Signups started during the spring, but there was no new coach in place to instruct the young players. So, even though she's on her way elsewhere, Roach decided she'd do what she could.
“I mean, this is my hometown,” she explained. “If I can help out a little bit, I don't mind at all.”
The thought of a cancellation did not sit right with the former softball, basketball and tennis standout.
“I just didn't want it to be, 'Hey girls, sorry. You signed up for it, but there's not one because we don't have a coach,'” Roach said. “That's not a good reason.”
A few years back, the Class of '17 member got involved with coaching early on after graduation. While still studying to become a teacher, she stepped in at the softball complex, BHS basketball courts and in tennis.
Roach started with the Otte Blair Middle School seventh-grade girls basketball team, transitioned to freshman girls basketball and junior varsity before leading the tennis program this past spring.
Next, though, Roach is headed to Millard Public Schools' Beadle Middle School where she'll coach boys basketball.
“That's what they had,” Roach said with a smile.
It's a good opportunity for her to progress and acclimate.
“I'm excited. It's my first year actually teaching, too,” she said. “Most school seasons are shorter, so it'll give me a chance to adjust to teaching and coaching.”
Roach student taught while instructing Blair athletes, but having her own class in Millard will pose a fresh challenge.
“I'm excited to see something new because I've been in Blair my whole life, and involved with this district my whole life,” Roach said. “But it's also sad. I've gotten to know a lot of people here.”
For instance, the coach now knows she won't be able to lead the youngsters she's met through camps when they get to high school.
The former Bear won't rule out a return one day, but it all depends on where life takes her.
“I would love coming back right now,” Roach said. “That's what I'm saying now, but I can't read the future.”

Blair Tennis Camp