Oak Harbor has produced professional athletes, an Olympic medalist, college All-Americans and high school state champions. It has also produced one of the most successful prep coaches in Oregon state history.

Kirsten (Horrobin) Ruchaber led Portland’s Jesuit High School to a 6A state championship in girls tennis last month.

The state title was Ruchaber’s ninth in her 15 years as head coach, the most by a female high school coach in Oregon state history.

Ruchaber, who graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1996, took over the Jesuit program in 2001. In all, she as won 13 Metro League titles, been named conference Coach of the Year six times, Oregon Athletics Coaches Association Coach of the Year six times, and the Coach of the Year for Oregon by the National Federation of State High School Associations once.

Jesuit did not lose a regular season match until Ruchaber’s 11th season and has amassed a 226-3 win-loss record during her watch.

Ruchaber attributes her success to the ability and character of her players.

“I have been fortunate to have many talented players enter the program,” she said, adding that the young ladies are also “willing to work hard and put in the time to develop” as players and people.

“The most successful teams I have had had the most sportsmanlike and respected individuals on them,” she said.

After starring for Oak Harbor High School, Ruchaber played tennis for Gonzaga University for four years and earned a teaching degree in physical education. While at Gonzaga, she also volunteered as a basketball coach at a local school and taught tennis lessons during the summer.

Ruchaber entered the teaching and coaching field because of her love for sports and the enjoyment of seeing children “playing, competing and learning from whatever contest or sport they are involved in.”

“It is a joy to have an impact on our adolescents and see how much they can gain from being an athlete,” Ruchaber said.

Character development is important to Ruchaber: “We focus on many aspects of becoming a better individual. One of our mottos at Jesuit High School is becoming a man or woman for others. We see the importance of respecting others and caring for each individual.”

Ruchaber’s teams have a “chapel” before each match to share a prayer or a positive quote, and she said this special time helps her players grow as individuals and as a team.

Ruchaber points to her parents (Mike and Cathy Horrobin) and past coaches as those who helped shape her character.

“My dad always taught me actions speak louder than words,” she said. “He always told me to let my tennis racquet do the talking for me.”

Ruchaber said she had many special coaches growing up, noting that two, Earl Blanchard (who was Ruchaber’s private coach during her youth) and Patty Doudna (the Gonzaga coach), also taught her about life.

Asked to choose her most cherished accomplishments, Ruchaber touched on several highlights, including winning this past state title (which was unexpected) by only one-half point, then said, “It is the day-to-day contact during matches and practice that I love. I enjoy just being a coach and a mentor for my athletes. I like to support them in other aspects of life and what they are involved in around Jesuit.”

Once a player exits Ruchaber’s program, she said she hopes that young lady has learned to care for and respect others, gained confidence in herself and enjoyed her time with the team.

“Character development is so important in high school sports today,” Ruchaber said. “If a player can display quality character traits and be a positive team player, then I believe the success will follow.”