Shoreham Wading River’s varsity girls’ tennis coach Debbie Lutjen has reached a truly remarkable milestone, winning her 300th career game.
Lutjen accomplished this incredible feat after 38 years of dedication to coaching, all of which she has spent leading the Shoreham Wading River girls’ tennis program. Very few high school coaches ever reach 300 wins, making this accomplishment a testament to Lutjen’s skill, passion, and longevity in a demanding role. Coaching tennis at the high school level requires not only knowledge of the game but also the ability to motivate student-athletes, manage schedules, and develop talent year after year. Lutjen has done all of this while also serving as a physical education teacher at the school, touching the lives of countless students both on and off the court.
The milestone came after Shoreham Wading River’s 7-0 triumph over Center Moriches in a Suffolk IV girls tennis match. The win evened the team’s season record at 3-3 and marked the first shutout of the campaign, making the moment even more special for Lutjen and her players.
In addition to coaching the girls’ team, Lutjen has also led the Shoreham Wading River boys’ tennis team during her long career, further demonstrating her versatility, leadership, and dedication to the school’s athletics program.
Next up for Shoreham Wading River are back-to-back road games against Southold/Greenport before returning home to face Mattituck, with both squads still seeking their first wins of the season.
Reaching 300 victories as a high school coach is a rare and incredible accomplishment, reflecting decades of commitment, countless hours of practice and preparation, and a consistent ability to inspire student-athletes to perform at their best. Lutjen’s achievement stands as a testament to her remarkable career and the impact she has had on Shoreham Wading River athletics.