"The team all unites together, supporting each other. It's family." For Coach
Robbie Risdon, that's what coaching tennis at Catholic Central is all about. Just completing her seventh year of coaching at Catholic Central, Coach Risdon was recently awarded Regional Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). It all started at the young age of ten with sound guidance from her mother: "Do you want to play multiple sports, or play one really well?" For Coach Risdon, the answer was to pick one to excel in: tennis. "I was very competitive and looking for a sport I wanted to play," said Coach Risdon. ""I got hooked right away."
The young Coach Risdon began competing in local, midwest, and national tournaments and earned No. 1 Singles on then Lahser High School's team, winning the state title for No. 1 Singles in Class A/Division 1. Coach Risdon went on to play at the University of Michigan, her passion for teaching eventually leading her to coaching. Relocating to Novi in 2015 for a position at the Novi Athletic Club, Coach Risdon was available for an opening at Catholic Central. "I have good boys who have good character," said Coach Risdon. "My goal as coach is to accomplish as much as we can as a team and to earn respect." When asked what earning Regional Coach means to her, Coach Risdon attributed the recognition to her athletes and Catholic Central. "It's a comment about the boys. It's not a reward for me–it's a reward for CC and the school," said Coach Risdon. "What I've learned at CC has made me a better coach for sure, shifting to a mindset that you want to show you really care about the boys, their development as a person. It's all about building relationships and communicating my expectations. It stands out."
Describing the community at Catholic Central, Coach Risdon explains working at CC is much more than just a job. "I feel blessed to be part of CC," said Coach Risdon. "I'm thankful for all the help and support I've received from the administration, from Mr. Babicz and the athletics department, all the coaches, my staff. Where the tennis courts are located, it's so nice to have the football coaches say 'Hey, congrats on your win the other day'. It's an atmosphere of support." Senior
Antonio Biggs describes it as an "honor and a privilege" to have played under Coach Risdon, crediting her for his growth over his last three years on her team. "Coach Risdon's tireless love and passion for the sport of tennis has not only made me a better athlete, but a better man as well," said Biggs. "She allowed me to better understand the value of discipline and respect as an athlete."
The 2021 season brought important milestones for CC Tennis and Coach Risdon, competing at the MHSAA Division 1 State Championship held in Kalamazoo for the first time in years–where Coach Risdon earned her state title many years ago. The team finished seventh in the state, the best finish for CC Tennis over the last decade. Coach Risdon also secured the team's first win over Brother Rice since taking on the role of Head Coach. CC Tennis finished third place in the Catholic High School League, with #1 Doubles winning the Catholic League Championship in addition to winning All-State Honors. Upsets at #3 Singles and #3 Doubles at Regionals, beating Northville, qualified CC Tennis for States–a moment Coach Risdon will never forget. "There was a lot of emotion. I get emotional just thinking about it," said Coach Risdon. "It represented everything we were all about–coming back from a deficit and never giving up."
Looking forward to next fall, Coach Risdon is excited to see what the season holds.
"We've got a really great group of seniors–it's a special group," said Coach Risdon. "They love the game, they have a passion for it, and they bring a lot to the team. It will be fun to see."
To stay up-to-date with tennis at Catholic Central, follow CC Tennis on
Twitter (@dcctennis) and
Instagram (@dcc_tennis).
