Bio

Susan Reasons graduated from Hilltop High School and participated in interscholastic tennis for three years. An aggressive player, she was named All Conference and a CIF Qualifier in singles, an indication that Susan’s successful tennis career as an accomplished player, instructor and coach was just beginning.

After enrolling at Southwestern College, Susan committed to playing intercollegiate tennis for two seasons under Coach Janis Fitch. A fierce competitor, she earned the “Apaches” MVP award, All Pacific Coast Conference honors, and was a southwestern regional qualifier in both singles and doubles. She also signed a national letter of intent for a full scholarship to the University of Texas but ultimately decided to pursue her education goals in San Diego.

After obtaining her AA degree in general studies at SWC, Susan transferred to San Diego State University where she earned her BA in physical education with an emphasis in coaching. Susan, however, continued to play tournaments as an independent throughout California. From 1978 through 2011, she won over 40 singles and doubles titles. Notably from ages 23 to 30, she was ranked 1^st through 5^th in San Diego singles and from 30 -35 was ranked 3^rd all south California.

An exceptional player, Susan also became a passionate coach and teacher who consistently stressed strong fundamentals and tactical execution. She has served as Head Coach at Marian High, Hilltop High, San Diego City College, and San Diego Mesa College before returning to Southwestern to coach the Lady Jags in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.

In 2001, her first year as Southwestern’s Head Women’s Tennis Coach, Susan guided her team to its first PCC Women’s Championship. She encouraged SWC player and PCC Singles Champion Katalina Romero to participate in the ITA Regional’s. After winning the title, Katalina competed at the national level and became SWC’s first National Women’s Singles Champion. Susan was voted PCAC Coach of the Year; an honor she repeated in 200. In 2003 and 2004, Susan was also ranking chair for all community college in California.

Susan’s best coaching memory is finding scholar Viry Martino in beginning tennis class and nurturing her skills over a two-year period to become Southern Doubles Regional qualifier. For her work on the court and in the classroom, Viry also was named the Pepsi Women’s State Scholar of the Year, an honor celebrated by the entire Athletics Department. After transferring to USC, Viry earned her degree in civil engineering, and is currently working on her masters. GO Jags!

In 2010 Southwestern College women’s and men’s tennis team were suspended for two years due financial constraints. Susan says that she misses caching her team and is anxiously awaiting its reinstatement as an intercollegiate team. Today, Susan is an adjunct faculty member in the school of Health, Exercise Science and Athletics teaching tennis and fitness. She is also the Director of The Community Tennis Center here on campus, offering developmental youth programs and private lessons under Continuing Education. Under her guidance, the center is thriving, self-sufficient, and recognized for its quality instruction throughout the South Bay.

Susan Reasons, for your high achievement and many contributions to tennis as a player, instructor, coach and program director, Southwestern College is honored to induct you into the 2010-2011 Athletic Hall of Fame.