Spring sports have started, and there are new faces among the coaches. These new coaches include a new girls’ golf head coach and a new girls’ tennis head coach.

Jo Anne Rodgers, the new head coach for the girls’ tennis team, shared her journey into the world of coaching.

“I played tennis since I was ten years old and played in high school, then played in college and wanted to continue being a part of the tennis culture,” said Rodgers. “I was able to get a position as a high school coach in San Diego.”

When asked to describe her coaching philosophy, she leans into the upside.

“I would describe it as positive, encouraging, making sure that the girls are having fun before anything else,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers says that she connects with the Lincoln community.“My daughter’s going to be attending Lincoln [next year,] so I really feel like it’s a great opportunity to give back to a school that’s going to be deeply connected to my own,” said Rodgers.

Tony Phan, the new head coach for girls’ golf, feels lucky to have a dedicated and eager team.

“The girls are very open to learning. There are a lot of beginners, and they just want to learn the game,” said Phan.

Phan has one lesson in particular that he hopes to teach his team.

“One thing I would always instill in them is never give up. Golf is very difficult, so you keep trying and trying until you get better.”

Phan shared what drew him to coaching in the first place.

“[I started coaching] to have more of a supporting group of kids, instead of kids competing against each other. They help each other,” said Phan.

Both tennis and golf have matches and tournaments all over Portland. Support girls’ tennis home matches at Washington Park tennis courts and girls’ golf tournaments at local public golf courses around Portland!