The Roberts Wesleyan athletics department and community are mourning the loss of former head men’s and women’s tennis coach, Tom Linhart, who passed away on August 15, 2021 at the age of 72.
Linhart came to Roberts Wesleyan in 2009 and served two seasons as the men’s and women’s assistant tennis coach. In 2011 Linhart was promoted to head coach of the men’s team where he instantly had an impact on the success of the team, leading the Redhawks to the semifinal round of the NCCAA National Championships. In 2014, following a 15-7 season, Linhart was named the East Coast Conference Coach of the Year.
In his final season (2018-2019) with Roberts Wesleyan, Linhart took over the head coaching responsibilities for the women’s team in addition to his men’s squad. During that year Linhart coached both the men’s and women’s teams to their first ever ECC postseason appearance.
Coach Linhart is the winningest coach in Roberts’ tennis program history with 120 wins.
Beyond the many wins and accomplishments attached to his name, Coach Linhart was beloved by his players and a valuable member of the Roberts athletics department.
Nthabi Mogopodi (Women’s Tennis Player: 2016-2019) said, “Coach Tom treated me like his own. He welcomed me to the team with love and kindness. Not only that, he welcomed me into his home and family and I was received with open arms. He became the mentor that I always wanted, the parent in America that I needed and the best Coach I have ever had. I will forever remember his kindness, his sense of humor, and how he made everything better in my life and those around him.”
Charles Farres (Men’s Tennis Player: 2012-2016 & Head Men’s Tennis Coach: 2019-2020) said, “Coach Linhart was one of the kindest human beings in the world, a selfless man who would do anything for his players.”
Bob Segave (Director of Athletics) said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Tom Linhart. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barb, Lisa, Courtney, and Tom Jr. Tom’s life is an example of the impact that one person can have across so many parts of the world. His passion was unmatched. The wisdom and faith he modeled and shared with us at Roberts helped set him apart. He truly invested in the success of his student-athletes both on and off the court. He loved his players as evidenced by the outpouring of thoughts and prayers coming in from around the world. While doing all of this, Tom managed to build a highly successful and regionally-ranked men’s and women’s tennis team in the Northeast. He loved the sport and he loved his players. One of the favorite quotes Tom and I shared was from the Reverend Billy Graham. ‘A coach will impact more young people a year than the average person does in a lifetime.’ Well done Coach, your impact has been enormous and your legacy lives on in the lives you impacted.”
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later time to be determined by the family.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Mercy Spirituality Center, 65 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. In honor of his granddaughter, Lola, donations may be made to the summer day camp for autistic school-age children, “Camp Wonder,” 828 Wappoo Road, Charleston, SC 29407.
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