After 25 years of commitment at Athens Drive and 26 years of teaching, science teacher and softball coach Sherry Wantz is retiring at the end of this school year. Wantz has done so much for Athens within the last 25 years and decided it is finally time to close this chapter of her life.
“I would say developing the relationships that I have with my students has been the most rewarding part of my job,” said Wantz. “Hopefully, I have made a positive impact on some of them and have influenced them to make not only positive career choices but also positive decisions in life.”
Wantz teaches AP Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology Honors and is the main infield softball coach at Athens. Many of the staff and students have been able to call Wantz not only their teacher or coach but also a mentor and role model.
“As a coach, Wantz is very intelligent; she knows more about softball than anyone I know. She has so much experience in the sport and her love for it never dies, it makes me want to be a better player and makes the team better too. I will miss her, and I hope to become half as great as her when I’m older,” said Maggie Williamson, varsity softball player.
Wantz has a passion for what she teaches and coaches; that energy leads her to strive to do better, enhance performance and study. She drives students to be successful, work harder, and challenge themselves. Wantz has collected quite a fanbase at The Drive, with students signing up for her classes just to get her as a teacher.
“I have known Mrs. Wantz my whole life. She and my dad have been coworkers since before I was born. When my dad couldn’t take me to school, Mrs. Wantz would [and get me some breakfast too]. Growing up and coming to Athens I knew I wanted her as a teacher at least once before she inevitably retired,” said Ethan Seese, junior.
Wantz has had many memorable and rewarding experiences teaching the unique Athens community. The bonds and relationships Wantz has formed throughout her years at Athens have been strong and everlasting.
“I have been honored to know Mrs. Wantz for all 23 of my 23-plus years, and she is the most genuine person, teacher, friend, and mentor. I am so grateful for our friendship and will miss her after she retires, but I look forward to staying in touch to hear about her retirement adventures,” said Ginger Harrell, teacher at Athens.
Some of Harrell’s favorite memories with Wantz have been when she taught her how to facetime on her iPhone, when she pitched wiffle balls to Paul Harrell when he was in Baby Jags and the many walks and talks they took. While Wantz will be missed at school, she has many plans for her retirement.
“When I retire I will spend time with my first grandchild [from my daughter and son-in-law] who will arrive this December, watch my son pitch in the majors, spend time with my husband, golf, see people, visit places and do things I want,” said Wantz.
After retirement, Wantz will be able to spend more time with her family and do things she wasn’t able to while teaching throughout the week. Retirement opens the floodgates to the freedom of new experiences. Her presence at Athens will be missed by many.
“I am fortunate enough to have her coach me till my senior year, she will be very missed and the team won’t be the same without her. I think everyone on the team can agree with me when I say everyone loves Wantz. I will miss her, and I hope to become half as great as her when I’m older,” said Williamson.
