Ponaganset High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Induction Class of 2013
Kathy Hazard
Coach 1975-2005: Boys & Girls Tennis, Cross Country,
Volleyball, Gymnastics, & Outdoor Track
Kathy graduated from Cranston East High School before attending the University of Rhode Island where she was a member of the swimming and diving teams. Upon graduation, she got her first teaching job at Coventry High School and it was there that her coaching career also began. She started the gymnastics program at Coventry and coached the Girls’ Track and Field team during her three years in Coventry.
Kathy left the “Oakers” to become a “Chieftain” in 1975. During her 29 years at Ponaganset, Kathy wore many different coaches’ hats; volleyball, gymnastics, track and field, cross country and tennis.
Kathy took the opportunity to take over for the legendary coach Bev Bryant, coaching gymnastics from 1975 to 1979. She coached the Girls Cross Country team from 1976 to 1980, Girls Track and Field from 1976 to 1978, and Girls Volleyball from 1978 to 1980 and 1982. It’s a wonder she had any free time during those years.
In 1990 Kathy stated two new programs, the Girls’ and Boys’ Tennis teams. She held onto the reigns of the girls’ team until 1999. She coached the girls to a Division championship in 1994, 1997, and 1998. In 1994 the Ponaganset Girls’ Tennis team was undefeated and was the RIIL State Champions.
She coached the boys’ tennis team during their inaugural year and then from 1998 to 2003. Kathy coached the boys to Divisional championships in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999. After winning the Class C divisional championships in 1998, Kathy appealed to have the Boys’ Tennis team moved up to Class B and then appealed again in 2000 to have the team moved to Class A.
Coaching athletic teams was not the only gift Kathy gave to PHS, for many years she directed and produced the annual Dance Show. This was a major school wide production that included students from the entire school.
In 1998 Kathy was named the Woonsocket Calls’ Tennis Coach of the Year. She was also named as the RIAPHERD Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 1999 and 2000. Kathy was elected to the RIIL Hall of Fame in 2012.
Ms. Hazard may have retired from teaching and coaching but has not retired from sports. She is an active participant in multiple tennis leagues and started a new career as a golfer.