Hope College coach dies from cancer

HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - The coach of the women's tennis team at Hope College has died from cancer.

Karen Page, 60, lost her long, courageous battle against the disease Friday at the Hospice House in Holland.

She was serving as director of the DeWitt Tennis Center at the college and was women's coach the past 12 years .

"Karen promoted the game of tennis, but also promoted an enthusiasm and high energy for living," colleague Dwayne "Tiger" Teusink said in a statement.

"Positive energy and spirit were the hallmarks of Karen Page's life. Every woman she coached, every person she touched was the beneficiary of her strong touchstones of enthusiasm and passion, not just for the game of tennis but for the joy of life," added Eva Dean Folkert, co-director of athletics at Hope." I honestly can't remember a time when in the space of five minutes -- whether in competition or conversation -- I did not see a smile come across KP's face. We will greatly miss such a terrific role model to students and women. We will greatly miss such a treasured coach and friend."

Page guided the Hope Flying Dutch to conference championships in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009. The 1998, 2000 and 2009 Flying Dutch earned a berth in the NCAA tournament.

A reoccurrence of cancer this spring did not allow her to actively coach the team, but it did not deter her from being with her squad at the conference and NCAA tournaments.

Page had an extensive background as a teacher and coach of tennis. She previously served as coach of the boy's and girl's varsity teams at Holland West Ottawa High School. She also coached the Holland community's adult women USTA travel teams.

She served as president of the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association and was a certified tennis teaching professional.

Page was presented the distinguished service award by the Western Michigan Tennis Association for outstanding leadership and service and named to the Hall of Fame of the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association.

She was a graduate of Iowa State University.

She is survived by her husband Tom, twin sister Karyl Garbo Whitley of Phoenix, Ariz. and brother Tim of Montana.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. July 5 at the Dimnent Memorial Chapel on the campus of Hope College, 12th Street and College Avenue.

The family will receive friends following the service at Dimnent Memorial Chapel.

Arrangements are being handled through the Dykstra Funeral Homes of Holland .