What They are Saying about Penny Dean

After 24 seasons at the helm of the Bowling Green State University tennis team, Penny Dean has announced her retirement. Her last day will be June 30. Over nearly a quarter century at the helm of the Falcons, Dean touched the lives of many people. In this, the first of multiple installments, some of those people pass along their best wishes and share some stories about her time at BG...

PENNY DEAN PHOTO GALLERY (thanks to those who sent photos to add to the gallery)

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"The one word that comes to mind when I think of Penny is family. This is probably non-traditional because she was my Division-I college tennis coach for four years and pushed me to limits I did not think possible as an athlete. However, when I reflect on my time, and my sister Nikki's time spent with Penny at BGSU, I will always think 'family.' Penny cares about her players the way that a mother would care for her child. She remembers every birthday, attends every wedding, and really gets to know each player on a personal level. She invests in our futures in a way that far exceeds any expectation of her as a coach. She is an inspiration to me athletically, academically, and personally. I look up to her and try to emulate her in my own coaching and teaching endeavors. I don't think any of us players could ever repay Penny for her selfless commitment to the Falcon program and to each one of us members of the Falcon 'family.' Thanks, Penny, and may your legacy live on forever!"
Christine (Chiricosta) Dieken, BGSU Tennis 2007-11

"PS - My favorite memory: Penny took us to the Wild Horse Saloon in Nashville while we were playing a tournament down there and we all learned how to line dance! Penny was the first one on the dance floor and the last to leave!"

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"My four years playing tennis at BGSU were some of the best years of my life. Penny was an amazing coach and a great leader. I wish her all the best in retirement and beyond! Once a Falcon always a Falcon!"
Stefanie Menoff, BGSU Tennis 2005-09

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"Penny is a true inspiration. She is always smiling and I consider her a class act and mentor. I had the privilege of throwing the 'first pitch' with Penny at the Mud Hens game when we are both named MAC Coaches of the Year in 2013. What a great memory... She definitely has a good arm! Congrats on a fantastic collegiate coaching career and all the best!"
Kerrie Turner, BGSU Gymnastics Coach

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"I am grateful and proud to have played for Coach Penny Dean at BGSU. Coach Dean was a great mentor for me both on and off the court. I wish Coach Dean, her husband Bill and her family nothing but the best in the future."
Susie Schoenberger, BGSU Tennis 2001-05

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33087 — Gloria Martinez teaches the Falcons how to line dance

"Back in the 1990's, Penny wanted to do something different for her BGSU tennis team shortly before the academic year was wrapping up. She asked me if I would be willing to teach the girls a few of the country line dances I had learned. The team had no idea we were doing this and when I showed up, they wondered what I was doing there. They soon found out and they all were great sports and they all gave it a go. Some of them were great dancers!! Many years later, Penny sent me an envelope with these photos marked 'remember this?' This is a memory I will never forget.

"Back in January of 1998, my mother passed away. So many friends from the athletics department came to pay their respects. At that time, Penny and Bill were in Mexico and could not be here. She came into the Student-Athlete Services office upon returning from her trip with this little gift wrapped in tissue paper. As she approached me, she apologized for not being able to attend and handed me this simple but beautiful cross. Although she was on her travels, she still thought of me. That is just one example of her loving and giving heart. I happened to be wearing a chain I had recently bought but nothing hanging on it. As she handed me the cross, I put it on this chain, and that is where it's always remained. I wear it all the time. It meant so much to me back then, and still does today."
Gloria Martinez, German, Russian and East Asian Languages (BGSU Athletic Dept. 1987-2009)

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"Coach - I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed working with you this year! Wishing you all the best in retirement!"
David Theby, Promotions Assistant, BGSU Athletics

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"Not that many BGSU staff in my birth decade demographic remaining, so sad to see one retiring!"
Dr. Lee Meserve, BGSU Faculty Athletics Representative

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"I am glad I did not have to help in packing up your office. So many memories and stuff we still would not be done. Wishing you tons of happiness in this new well-deserved chapter of your life. My best to both you and Bill."
Jean Panning, Retired, BGSU Athletics

Check back to BGSUFalcons.com on Thursday (June 26) for additional comments from Dean's former student-athletes, co-workers and friends.

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What They are Saying about Penny Dean

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