By ERICK WALKER

The Reporter

Corinne Welch felt it was time.

And just like that, one of the area’s most successful coaches, stepped down last week.

Welch recently completed her 10th season at the helm of the Tahoma High girls soccer program.

“I just feel like it’s a good time to step down,” said Welch, who will continue teaching at Shadow Lake Elementary. “I’ve thought about it, and I want to spend more time with family.”

During the past decade at Tahoma, there haven’t been many more successful coaches. During her tenure, Welch won state titles in 2001 and 2005. In addition, Welch led the Bears to three league titles and two second-place finishes.

“Obviously, I had mixed emotions … I had done it for so long,” she said. “I loved every minute of it.”

And every minute of it, the Bears seemed to be right in the thick — or at the front — of the playoff race. Matter of fact, Tahoma qualified for the postseason in nine of Welch’s 10 years, which includes six state berths.

But Welch may have saved her best for last.

This past fall, the Bears were considered a challenger for the league title in the SPSL North. And while the Bears finished third in league, they went on to advance to the state quarterfinals — further than any other SPSL team.

“I knew it was the right decision,” Welch said. “I hadn’t quite made that decision throughout the season … but it was a good time for me and I felt like we ended on such a good, positive note.”