We are heartbroken to share the news that our former tennis coach, Randy Ivey, has passed away. Coach Ivey spent four seasons at Linfield Christian, during which time he earned two Ambassador League Coach of the Year awards. In his tenure, the Lady Lions achieved at 32-12 Ambassador League record and four straight playoff appearances.
While we remember the successes he brought to Linfield Christian’s tennis program, we are most grateful for the way he challenged and encouraged our athletes, making an eternal difference in their lives.
“Coach Randy was so nice and so fun. He always had a smile and always asked how I was doing. I didn’t know him well, but he sure did bring light to Linfield.” – Jackson Nitti, Linfield Athlete
“I may not be a very talented player, but I want to thank Coach Randy for always being encouraging to me. I am glad to spend three years of training with him.” – Max Tan, Linfield Tennis Player
“During the two years with Coach Ivey I learned a lot. I started as a completely new beginner and Coach was the one who always stood by me. He always taught me individually and encouraged me. When we were suffering to play with more advanced players, he always told us to try hard and not give up. Thank you so much Coach for guiding me during these times. May he rest in peace.” – Shawn Wang, Linfield Tennis Player
“Coach Randy taught me how to play tennis… I knew him since 2018, my 9th grade year. Although I am on JV, I really appreciate that even when I lost a battle, he never gave up on me. Thank you, Coach Randy, for giving me hope, and this fire of hope will forever remain in my life, and I will pass it down to people who need it. May God be with you for eternity.” – Ivy Han, Linfield Tennis Player
“Coach Randy was always super supportive and never lost hope in us. He was also really helpful in giving us advice on tennis as well as advice on our life. We love him and may he rest in peace.” – Kristy Guan, Linfield Tennis Player
“I had the privilege of playing on Linfield’s tennis team throughout my years there and Coach Randy was such a blessing to me. He was always smiling and had such a kind heart. His spirit radiated Christ and he was always so encouraging. I remember on the way back from games how he would stop and let us get yogurt while he filled up the van. During practices, he pushed us hard while also making sure that we had fun. Coach Randy will be dearly missed, and I am thankful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to train under someone as wonderful as him. I will be praying for his family!” – Satya Ath, Linfield Tennis Alum
“I had the pleasure of working with Randy as the AD at Linfield for four years. Randy was a blessing to our tennis programs, specifically each individual athlete he coached. He was a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man who was able to build relationship and trust with his athletes. Athletes loved playing for Randy. I remember last fall, when I coached JV girls tennis at Linfield and we went to play Great Oak, where Randy coached last year. A handful of the girls on my team had played for Randy the previous year…as soon as they saw him, they took off running and gave him a big hug. They missed him! He had positively impacted their lives forever. Randy was a successful coach at Linfield – his teams won and competed for league championships; and he was loved and well-respected by the other coaches in the league – he was voted coach of the year multiple times; but above all Randy was loved and respected by his athletes. Randy – we love and miss you!!” – Amber Young, Former Athletic Director at Linfield Christian
“Randy was a gentle giant. He taught my daughter Devyn so much about not just the game of tennis, but being an athlete and a stand up person. When her path led her to pursue basketball full time and walk away from tennis, Randy was of course disappointed, but even more so-encouraging! He came to her games, cheered her on and was always sure to say hello. He will be missed.” -Suzanne Cope, Linfield Parent
Randy, thank you for your commitment to Linfield Christian for four wonderful years. As an off campus coach, your ability to connect with our students was not only natural but admirable. They trusted you because you cared more about them as a person than as tennis players. Thank you for believing in our athletes, instilling confidence and perseverance in them. You will be greatly missed!
