Coach White, our beloved PE teacher of 29 years, has announced her retirement this year. She’s spent her time developing an incredibly inclusive and welcoming role as a teacher, establishing her position as one of the best teachers at Barstow. Throughout her time at Barstow, she has had a positive and nurturing impact on hundreds of students.
“My favorite songs to exercise to are anything Earth, Wind & Fire. There’s just too many. ‘Faith’ is really good. ‘Good To Be Alive,’ that’s also a great one,” says Coach White.
Coach White grew up on a small farm in western Kansas with six siblings. Even at a young age, she showed a passion for athletics, pursuing gymnastics, dance, and horseback riding.
Growing up, Coach White did not have a decided career path. She recounts, “My mom told me I needed to learn how to type to get a job, but I knew that sitting at a desk wasn’t a job for me. So, the first year of school, I got involved in education, more specifically, physical education.”
Coach White quotes her own positive experiences with PE as the deciding factor to this career. However, like many others, she experienced setbacks. In fact, she almost didn’t end up teaching PE! After completing her student teaching, Coach White felt teaching wasn’t her true calling. Because of this, she spent eight years pursuing the recreational route. However, in a true moment of fate, a job offer opened, causing her to re-enter the teaching field.
Coach White’s impact goes far beyond that of PE. She is known for her positivity and ability to connect with every student. She makes every student feel comfortable and gives everyone the chance to voice their opinions. Throughout her years at Barstow, she has encouraged many students to fall in love with athletics and become a better person. Her passion for both teaching and life cement her as an exemplary role model.
Coach White’s favorite sport, without hesitation, is cross country. She remarks, “It’s wide open, it’s a team event, but it’s also an individual event. It’s so quick, how runners pick up how to run a meet, when to take off.” In fact, one of her family traditions is to go on runs with each other.
Adhering to her avid love for physical activity, Coach White has an active selection of hobbies. She enjoys running, gardening, golf, biking, and pickleball. She also enjoys getting together with her friends.
Across her time at this school, she has advocated for students and developed a close relationship with her students. She has spent years making PE an enjoyable class and ensuring students know the importance of kindness and teamwork. Many know her as the approachable and friendly PE teacher, whom they can spend time conversing about any and everything with. She has taught many generations of students and witnessed the graduations of students whom she began teaching in preschool. In fact, Coach White says witnessing the success of her students is the most rewarding part of teaching.
Now, after spending over 37 years teaching students and watching them evolve, Coach White has decided to call 2023 her final year of teaching. She is planning to retire this summer to focus more on herself. When asked about her retirement, Coach White vocalizes, “It makes me cry. It makes me happy. I’m going to miss it like I can’t believe, but I also have a grandson that I want to spend time with.”
Along with that, she wants to take a cruise and travel throughout the United States. Coach White is planning to “go with the flow” and travel to Machu Picchu (as advised by former math teacher Mrs. Nagy).
In her parting words, Coach White encourages students to stay active. She tells students to “get out into the world. Meet different people and get involved in different activities.”
In an effort to honor her, on Friday during mandatory fun, Ms. Mitchell read a tribute to Coach White. Jordie Waldman (‘23) brought out a thank you card. Along with that, Mayor Quinton Lucas made an appearance to thank Coach White for her contributions. As of today, May 5th is officially Coach White Day!
We will miss Coach White so much and are saddened to see her go, but we’re so excited for this new chapter in her life! Make sure to stop by, say hello and show your appreciation for her!
