From 1978 to 2011, Tom Kramer built one of the state’s most respected high school tennis programs at South Whidbey High School, formerly Langley High School. A longtime history teacher, Kramer first stepped into the coaching role when the school’s principal—who also served as the tennis coach—left for another position. His first season was modest, with just enough players to fill the roster. From there, however, the program grew steadily in both size and success. Within a few years, he also took on the boys’ tennis team, guiding South Whidbey through shifts in classification from 1A to 3A and back to 2A and 1A before his retirement.

Kramer’s coaching career was marked by remarkable achievements. He led South Whidbey to 23 district championships, 18 top-six finishes at the state tournament, 11 individual state titles, and six team state championships between 1985 and 2011. Among his most memorable accomplishments was coaching his daughter to the school’s first-ever state singles title as a freshman. She went on to follow in his footsteps, taking over leadership of the South Whidbey tennis program.

His impact extended far beyond the court. Kramer was recognized as one of the Everett Herald’s All-Sports Top Ten Coaches of the Decade (2000–2009), inducted into the South Whidbey High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2013, and honored by the United States Tennis Association as a Community Champion later that same year.

Through more than three decades of teaching and coaching, Tom Kramer’s legacy was defined by his commitment to his students, his ability to build a lasting program, and his passion for the game. His influence continued through the athletes he coached, the championships his teams earned, and the tradition his family carried on at South Whidbey High School.