September 25, 2013 by Charlie Eisenhood in Livewire
With the news of Tiina Booth’s retirement from coaching at Amherst Regional High School, some of her former players have sent along some thoughts about her legacy. If you have something to share, please email us at [email protected].
First up, Boston Brute Squad captain Emily Baecher:
[quote]While it sounds odd, Tiina Booth has taught me more about ultimate than anyone else in my 13-year career without ever being my coach.[/quote]
[quote]That is one of the most amazing aspects of Tiina’s legacy and the reason that it is far from over now that she has finished coaching at ARHS. She has taught me a ridiculous amount, from a low-release forehand in 7th grade to lessons I should take away from lapses in mental toughness at College Nationals. I also really can’t overstate the amount I’ve learned at NUTC. I was involved at NUTC as either a camper or counselor for a total of seven years. Each year I learned something new. Early on, I learned how to throw, cut, and play defense. Later, I learned about effective leadership, both from Tiina and the phenomenal counselors she hired.
As an alumna of ARHS, I’m sad to see Tiina closing this chapter of her ultimate career, but I know it is only part of what she does. Luckily, there is still plenty to learn from Tiina Booth and I plan to take advantage.[/quote]
This is from Danny On, alumnus of ARHS:
[quote]I first met Tiina when I was on the Amherst Middle School Travel Team and I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t intimidated by her at the time. She was the coach of the varsity team, and I knew that I would be playing for her one day. It took a ton of work, but when springtime of sophomore year came around, I made the varsity team. It was surreal to think that the person who coached the Hurricanes to so many championships was my coach.
Through her ability to teach the sport and warm personality, I was able to improve on all aspects of my game and immediately felt like I was a part of the team. I don’t see her as often now because I am at college, but I still remember the lessons that she has taught me.
The effect that Tiina Booth has had on my Ultimate career has been considerable, but she has done so much more for me than just that. She always asked how our team was doing academically, and really cared about us. Even today, whenever I have a problem, she is one of the few people that I know I could always seek advice from. Tiina Booth is truly one-of-a-kind.[/quote]
