KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Coach's corner is a weekly segment where fans get acquainted with Kutztown University head coaches. Our next coach in the spotlight is KU tennis coach Shari Bucklin-Webber.
 
Bucklin- Webber finished her fifth season as the Golden Bears head coach this year, taking over the program in 2015. She took over two young programs in her first year, and continues to move the program forward. The 2017-18 season brought about Bucklin-Webber's best men's season with the Golden Bears. KU improved by seven wins to go 10-4, competed in the PSAC semifinals for the second-straight year, and returned to the NCAA Regional Poll for the first time in three years. In her five years coaching the Golden Bears, she has guided nine All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) selections.
 
Bucklin-Webber played tennis at Marshall University from 1982-86, where she was a team captain and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She continues to play in USTA national tournaments, where she has won five national doubles titles. She was also a Women's Tennis Association Mecca Cup qualifier in 2002. In 2017, she won her fifth national doubles title by winning the (USTA) National Grass Court Doubles Championship in the Women's 45 bracket. Bucklin-Webber was inducted to the Berks County Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Middle States Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019.
 
What makes Kutztown University the destination to be a coach? "Kutztown is in a safe, quiet town in a beautiful, rural part of Pennsylvania. The University's dedication to the balance of academics and athletics makes it the perfect fit for me."
 
Favorite place on campus and/or in town? "My favorite place on campus is the outdoor tennis courts. That is where I get to know the players the best. I learn how they cope with adversity, how hard they are willing to work, how they treat other people and so much more. I have great memories from matches, building team camaraderie, and special fundraising and community events. I also meet other students, faculty members and local tennis enthusiasts that come out to play."
 
Why did you get into coaching? "I was a Marketing major with minors in Finance and Management but when it came time to starting my career, corporate structure didn't feel right. I wanted to use the sport that I loved as a vehicle to teach life lessons. Also, tennis has given me so much that I wanted to be able to give back in some way."
 
Favorite memory as a coach and athlete? "Winning a match that I played in the USTA Nationals, knowing that it was the last time my dad was going to see me play meant the world to me. As a coach, there are so many matches that come to mind. Anytime I see someone overcome odds on the court, whether it be mental or physical, is inspirational."
 
What are any gameday rituals? "There are so many things to get ready before a match that those things usually keep me busy. Keeping busy probably helps my nerves too. The players have a structured warm up and while they are doing that I go to them each individually. I like to give them each a piece of advice that is meant specifically for them. It may be technical advice for their opponent that day or it may be related to something that they have been working on that week."
 
Favorite professional team and/or player? "I always cheer for the underdog. It gives me hope that all things are possible."
 
If you weren't coaching, what would you be doing? "I would probably be in forensics. I love watching all the crime shows. I cheer like it's a football game to catch the offender."
 
Favorite thing(s) to do outside of coaching? "I love spending time with my family. My granddaughters make me laugh and I also play pickleball tournaments with my husband."
 
Any sports heroes growing up? "Not really. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio, so my dad would take us to Ohio State home and some away football games. I have great memories of that."
 
Favorite movie and tv show? "Life is Beautiful (I love the way they show how creativity and humor can make a horrible situation better), and The Big Bang Theory."
 
What advice would you give prospective collegiate student-athletes? "Enjoy every aspect of college. It will be over too soon and you really never know when it's your last match."
 
Any inspirational quotes you've heard that stays with you? "My grandmother always used to say 'the hard right and the easy wrong'".