WHITE RIVER

Trena Page Bio

I was born on July 6,1951 in Monrovia California and spent my first fourteen years in California. I grew up with my single mom, Inez and special needs brother Dick. I learned so much from them specifically the many challenges of a single mom and raising a disabled son. Her strength and willingness to allow my brother to do as many normal activities as possible was inspiring. My brother and I shared many good times but we also learned what it was like to be different and how people reacted to a disabled

person. I grew up overly protective of my brother and often took to task people that were mean to him

but it instilled in me the importance of tolerance, empathy and kindness.

We moved to Washington state when I was a ninth grader and I attended Sunset Middle School and

Glacier High School in the Highline School District in Burien. I was able to play GAA intramural sports

against other schools which meant we played one Saturday for each sport season against other teams

within the school district. The only high school sport available for me to participate in was tennis which I

played for 3 years. I won the doubles championship my senior year which was a stepping stone to

playing tennis in college.

My college years (1969-1973) were spent at Western Washington University. I played field hockey,

basketball and tennis – no athletic scholarships were available for women at that time which meant we

were all walk on participants. I earned a Bachelor of Education degree in Physical Education and Health.

My greatest sports achievement at Western was winning the regional doubles championship in tennis

my senior year and going to the national championships in basketball in New York. (what a trip that was

and we ended up losing to the defending national champions Immaculata)

My summer work during high school and college was working for King County Parks as a junior and

senior leader. This was my first coaching experience working with mainly 5th and 6th grade softball

players. I was also in charge of all recreational summer program activities at each park I was assigned to work. This was a great work experience which helped me prepare for teaching and coaching.

I also became a high school/college referee in volleyball and basketball for Pierce County Parks. Those

experiences gave me insight about playing and coaching as well. My favorite call was a “do-over” which

always made me laugh when I saw the reaction of players and coaches.

I began playing recreational fast pitch in high school but found I liked slowpitch better. I began playing

slowpitch while in college and continued playing and coaching for almost 30 years. I was fortunate to

attend at least 7 national slow pitch tournaments all around the country. Those were fabulous competitive and fun summer experiences and were the best of times for me. I truly think that my time in college and the strong women’s slowpitch presence in the region were the beginning of what was to become part of the NW Title IX movement.

My teaching and coaching career began at White River H.S. in 1974. I taught physical education and

health for 30 years and coached volleyball, basketball, slowpitch and assisted in track and field. In the

beginning, the girl's program was in the early phase of having competition against other schools. I felt at

the time I was such a rookie coach and was often trying to find my way along with the girls. I was

fortunate to have interested, talented and competitive girls that wanted to be part of a school sports program. We evolved together and with the push of Title IX were able to establish strong female sports

programs at White River.

I absolutely loved my coaching time at White River. I have been truly appreciative of the opportunities

and have so many fond memories. Obviously, our state volleyball and basketball appearances were a

highlight along with the bus trips, the crazy dress up days, the competition with our opponents, team

antics and fun moments that always were a part of each season. My assistants were great and terrific

people who dedicated their abilities and time to our programs – thank you – I couldn’t have done it without you. My players and managers were talented, fun, engaging and had so much heart. To see them become wonderful, responsible adults is such a joy. My main goal was to make sure we were able to compete, have fun, learn and become our best selves through sport. I think for the most part that was accomplished and so much more.

After coaching, I became involved in the White River Education Association as a building rep and then continued as president for eight years. This was a challenging but very rewarding job representing

members, working with the District Administration and negotiating contracts. Continuing with my

association work I became President of Puget Sound Uniserv and was elected to the Executive Board of

Washington Education Association. This work provided various type of services to members across the

state.

In the years following my retirement from White River in 2004 I worked in retail for twelve years at a pet

boutique store in Gig Harbor. I eventually took ownership and our store became Sophies Touch serving

patrons, pets and friends. Who knew that small business retail would be something I would enjoy so

much.

I am currently fully retired living on Fox Island which has been my home since 1992. I live with my spouse Deloree who has supported me for 32 years and goldendoodle Rosco. I spend time helping with appraising, gardening, playing a little golf now and then, camping, doing things with my brother and just relaxing and enjoying life.

Thank you for your support and belief that I should be inducted into the White River Athletic Hall of

Fame. I am very humbled and appreciative for this honor and for the privilege to have taught and

coached at White River High School for thirty years. It was a very important and heartfelt part of my life and I have cherished the memories, friendships, colleagues and experiences.

“Be what you are and become what you are capable of becoming” Robert Louis Stevenson

“If there is any secret at all to being happier in life, it is this:

to realize what a marvelous person you are to begin with

to treat that person with love and care

to understand that if you truly desire for your dreams to take you places you’ve never been all you have

to do is believe in yourself and begin.” Collin McCarty