Donna Ryan and Linda Ruddy retiring after 10 season with Notre Dame Tennis

After 10 seasons at the helm of Notre Dame Tennis, Donna Ryan and Linda Ruddy are calling it a career.

The duo was responsible for both the boys' and girls' tennis teams at Notre Dame Regional High School and both programs have seen enormous success under their direction.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Notre Dame athletic director Jeff Graviett had high praise for what the two coaches did for the tennis program.

“Donna and Linda have been a blessing, not only to our tennis program but to Notre Dame,” Graviett stated. “They took our tennis program to the next level by consistently producing individual state qualifiers. They have given so much to the tennis program over the past 10 years, and I am excited for them to start a new chapter in their lives. Because of them, our tennis program has a lot to offer and I am excited about the future of this program.”

Ryan said stepping away from coaching will allow her to have more time with her family.

“It seemed like a good time for me to get back in touch (with family),” Ryan said. “I’ve totally missed the teenage years of my granddaughters and I’ve got great-grandchildren that I haven’t even met yet. It just seemed like a good time to make a change.”

Ryan and Ruddy will retire following the completion of the boys' tennis season where the Bulldogs are preparing for their Class 2 State Semifinal matchup against Helias Catholic.

“(The success) makes me feel good,” Ryan said. “But, I think these boys have another really good season in them. I hate to miss it but like my son said, ‘Mom, you’re not getting any younger.’”

Ryan had high praise for Ruddy, who she said handles a lot of the behind-the-scenes work while Ryan handles the work the public sees.

“It means so much to me to have her as my other half,” Ryan said. “We're good backup for one another. She’s learned a lot from me about teaching tennis and coaching tennis and I’ve learned a lot from her about managing people. We were really lucky to come together.”

Ryan said she and Ruddy are looking forward to one last trip to Springfield with the boys' team this weekend.

“It’s really special and it’s a wonderful way to finish,” Ryan said. “I’m just really looking forward to the joy we’ll all have while we’re there. Hopefully, we will rise to the occasion and feel the joy that comes with that.”

The Bulldogs’ matchup with Helias Catholic begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield.