Mrs. Nelson is nearing the end of her eventful career at Hinsdale South High School, retiring at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. 

She started her career in coaching 28 years ago, and teaching 22 years ago. Her love for coaching stemmed from a notable part of her childhood: playing softball. 

“I love all the sports I coach,” said Nelson. “I love coaching softball, but I did not like coaching in the Spring, due to the fact that the weather is miserable.”

This year Nelson coached three teams: golf, bowling, and water polo.

Her water polo team is still in season with seven games remaining until her coaching career at South comes to a close.

“Nelson is always giving me advice and I go to her a lot,” said Maggie Johnston, a member of the varsity water polo team. “She really pushes sportsmanship to not only my teammates but everyone in the game.”

Currently, Nelson considers golf to be her favorite sport to play, which she plans to do a lot more of during her retirement. Members of the golf team will miss the energy Nelson brought to practices during next year’s season.  

 “Mrs. Nelson is such a positive role model for me,“ Annika Nicol, a member of the golf team, said. “She was especially helpful to me because last year was my first time ever playing golf.”

Nicol’s teammate, Keira Murphy, describes coach Nelson as being “understanding, compassionate, and optimistic.” 

Before the 2022-2023 golf season, Keira had never previously played on a golf team.  Nelson was very patient with her, and did not put pressure on her; instead, she wanted Keira to focus on having fun. 

In addition to playing lots of golf, Nelson has many exciting endeavors planned for her retirement,

 “I plan on traveling, and living life freely, and seeing where the road takes me.”

Nelson already has vacation plans to see Italy, Greece, and Dubai. 

Throughout her final days of teaching and coaching at South, Nelson will be cherished for her mentorship of athletes, hilarious jokes, and compassionate heart.