White retires from coaching

For the first time in more than 30 years, Deer Park High School students in suburban Houston won’t see teacher and coach Theresa White in the halls of DPHS when they return to class in August.

The Rockdale native announced earlier this spring that she was retiring from the place where she coached girls’ basketball for much of her career.

“After 38 years, I decided it was time to enjoy me,” White said. “I’ve had a good run.”

“I might not have made it to the state tournament, but I feel as though I won in the game of life with my students and athletes,” she said. “It was a game that taught me many life lessons.”

The former Lady Tiger said she’s ready to open a new chapter of her life and spend more time traveling, biking, hiking and being with her family.

Being at Deer Park since 1992, White loved their unique environment.

“Deer Park is one of the largest school districts in Texas, but it’s a big town with one school and a small town mentality,” White said. “I came to Deer Park as a stranger, but retired with bunch of family and friends. I’m very thankful and grateful for the opportunity to grow and flourish in the community.”

White, who w a s n a m e d Teacher-of-the-Year twice at Deer Park’s North Campus, says she prided herself on being a teacher first and loved that part of her profession.

“My athletes knew they had to be great in classroom first,” she said. “They loved the game, but understood their living was going to be made from their education.”

When asked about her key influences as a coach, White cited former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, who won 10 national championships in his final 12 seasons leading the Bruins.

“He is by far the most inspirational person in my career,” she said.

White also met him multiple times and said they would talk for hours.

“My perspective on teaching and coaching (would) change tremendously,” she added.

She is a 1978 Rock dale High School graduate and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor in 2011.

She is the sister of Angela and Wanda White of Rockdale and aunt of Kortlin White, an RHS grad who coaches in Lewisville.