Gerald K. "Coach" Hirst

John,
I was sorry to hear that your dad had passed away. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of grief and sorrow. Coach Griffin

Our family is grateful to Coach Hirst for encouraging our sons Jose and Fernando Schroeder into tennis during their years at the Harlingen High School. We want to Thank you for your interest and dedication.
Our condolences to his wife and family. Now he is resting in peace in the Kingdom of God.
With love, Maria and Fred Schroeder and family.

Sad to hear of Jerry's passing. I was a year behind Jerry at Harding High School, along with my best friend, David Longmire, one of Jerry's close friends. I can't tell you how many fun stories from Longmire about their travels on the road from game to game. He taught Longmire not only how to be the best in tennis, but how to live life to its fullest.

Jerry will be remembered for not only coaching tennis, but building character for his students.

Jon Spence

Jerry helped so many tennis players and their families that could not afford college scholarships reach the tennis level to play college tennis ... and receive a tennis scholarship... a lot of people owe Jerry their livelihood. He was a great coach and great family man. His "give a 100%" attitude lives on in each one of his players.
Our sympathies to Mrs. Hirst (Alice), Danny, John, Steve and Katy
Miles Reynolds
Mexico City

Coach Hirst was my tennis coach in 1966 and 1967 at HHS. I have nothing but very fond memories of his style and personality. He was definetly a people person and a really great coach to us all.

When my brother moved to the Valley and bought a house with a tennis court we became friends with Jerry. The good old days of his broken jaw wired shut and CB radio mania. Both my brother and I had a sports background and thought tennis would be easy. Jerry told me however that it would take 5 years to learn the basics. For him maybe, for us more like ten. Jerry had amazing quickness for someone his size-the kind of quickness you see only in the NBA or NFL. To put into perspective his level...

The Bryant family has many wonderful memories of Jerry and his beautiful family. So sorry Alice for your loss.

To my beloved american dad... you will never be forgotten!
Jeromski and the Gintracs

Hello Alice. This is Karen Baxter, Stacey’s mom. I am sorry to know Coach Hirst has passed. He led an amazing life.

Warmly, Karen