Joyce Hedlund - File photo
File photo
Joyce Hedlund

Longtime Islander tennis coach dies

By MEGAN MANAGAN
Mercer Island Reporter Reporter
November 5, 2009 · Updated 11:02 AM 

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Joyce Hedlund, the head coach for Mercer Island High School's boys and girls' tennis teams, died Tuesday at 10:05 a.m. after suffering a stroke on Monday, Nov. 2. She was 66-years-old.

Hedlund was the head coach for both programs for 15 seasons and an assistant coach for four seasons previous to taking over the head coaching duties in 1995.

Hedlund first joined the Mercer Island School District as an assistant tennis coach in 1991. In 1995, she took over as head coach from Geoff Mills for both programs. During her tenure as head coach, Hedlund's teams won 10 girls' and seven boys' KingCo championships and nine girls' and four boys' state championships.

"Beyond any record, trophy, or championship, I will remember Joyce for her caring and compassionate manner," said Craig Olson, MIHS athletic director and associate principal. "She had the ability to connect with many different people on different levels. She loved talking about her kids and grandkids, but would quickly start asking others how their families were doing and what they were up to. She had a unique ability to not only lead but listen to all of her players. She established and maintained high expectations for her programs and her players and she absolutely loved working with kids. She will be missed."

No information on services is available at this time.

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Reporter Megan Managan at mmanagan@mi-reporter.com or (206) 232-1215 ext. 5054.

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