She came of age at a time when sports options for girls were limited. But Sherry Sevall (b. Apr 26, 1948) didn’t let that slow her down. From youth and high school sports standout to three-sport collegiate athlete to a career as beloved teacher and coach, Sevall made everything better wherever she took out a tennis racket or blew a whistle.

The OSAA only offered two state championships for girls’ sports when Sherry was growing up in Roseburg. One was in tennis, where RHS already had a robust program. Sevall was part of the state championship doubles duo in 1965 when the Indians also won the state team title.

Sherry was also winning other age group tournaments and traveling to other bigger events out of state. Outside of organized high school sports, she excelled, particularly in softball.

She selected Oregon State for her college education and found herself in the right place at the right time to be a three-sport standout for Beaver teams. On the tennis court, she won the Pacific Northwest championship three times and led OSU to three conference titles.

Sevall was part of the very first Beaver volleyball team. In 1969, the Beavs were a perfect 21-0 and advanced to the sweet 16.

On the basketball court, Sevall was the leading scorer in both 1967 and 68.  Oregon State has already inducted her into its Hall of Fame twice! As an individual and as part of that undefeated volleyball team.

Next stop, Sunset High School as gym teacher and tennis coach. In 1974 her first Sunset team “the ice cream gang” featured no seniors. That was just the beginning. From 1978-85 the Apollos dual meet record was 110 wins and 1 loss. Sunset won six consecutive OSAA championships beginning in 1978. Those teams featured one individual champion and 6 doubles state winners.

Sherry was recognized as coach of the year multiple times and was nominated twice for national coach of the year. She was featured as one of Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” in 1985.

Retirement came in 1999 after 27 years of teaching and a total of 19 seasons as Sunset’s tennis coach. She now enjoys playing pickleball and traveling with her siblings.

SHERRY SEVALL-WINNING WAYS