2016 LOCALS LOVE US: Marble Falls’ Lerin Lockwood favorite coach

MARBLE FALLS — Marble Falls High School assistant tennis coach Lerin Lockwood knows the value of a win as she takes the Locals Love Us favorite coach award for the second year in a row.
“It’s really exciting,” she said with a giant smile. “The pressure’s on when you win it one time.”
Lockwood, who said she feels like “Mother Mustang,” recalled a recent Saturday trip to Killeen to play in a five-school tournament. By the time the Mustangs returned to the campus, they had spent 14 hours together — and she enjoyed every minute. She especially loves coaching the freshmen players because of their approach to matches. 
“They’re extremely aggressive and compete, especially at the net,” she said. 
Lockwood noted these Mustangs have another similar trait not typically found on other teams: They enjoy practice.
“After two hours, they were still out here playing,” she said. “It’s just great. We have kids who want to put in the extra time and enjoy it, too.”
And it’s not enough for Lockwood to simply work in the city. As the inventor of Lion Latch, a plastic container that safely hides and protects jewelry, Lockwood made it point to get to know the people who make up Marble Falls. 
She met business owners and employees in various fields. And some may not be found in the stands of the Marble Falls High School athletic facilities. 
“I try to be a part of the community,” she said. “I try to contribute as much as possible.”
And that means shopping in the city’s stores and eating in the restaurants.  
Her philosophy to coaching comes down to advice she received years ago from an art teacher. (Lockwood teaches art, too.)
“It’s not work if you love it,” she said. “Coming out to the courts, time flies because we’re having fun. I know it’s cliche, but that’s how it goes. We try to create that environment for them.”
Lockwood doesn’t take for granted being voted favorite coach by The Picayune readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners, particularly because she knows the quality of coaches in Marble Falls. 
“Thanks to everyone for voting for me,” she said. “We have a lot of amazing coaches in this school. It’s an honor to have everyone vote for me.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com