Gayle Dempsey announced her retirement during the halftime of a boys basketball game a few weeks ago.  She has been teaching for 39 years and a coach of the Pommers for 39.  She has been an inspiration to countless number of people throughout the years both on and off the court.

Patty Lenning has taught with Dempsey in the Business Department for many years.

“Mrs. Dempsey is very professional,” Lenning said. “She takes her job very seriously but at the same time, is lots of fun.  She is very social, I am kind of shy…she will go up to speak to anyone and hug them.  She’s always willing to help and would do anything for anyone.”

Heather Evilsizor the only senior on the Pommers has had Dempsey as her coach for the last four years.

“She has helped me through so many problems, she’s one of the most caring people I know, and she always knows what to say no matter what the circumstances,” Evilsizor said.  “She’s an amazing woman.”

Erin Jansen graduated from BHS in  2011 and thanks Dempsey for giving her some amazing opportunities.

“Gayle definitely made me a better leader by giving me the opportunity to be captain for two years,” Jansen said. “Even before I was captain she gave me the chance to have responsibilities and it was really cool to see what I was capable of.”

Jansen also praised Dempsey as a coach.

“Having Gayle as a coach was the best,” Jansen said. “She’s literally the sweetest human being ever but then out of nowhere when she needs to be a tough coach, she can.”

Maddie Phillips graduated last year from BHS and thinks it is amazing how much Dempsey was able to help her athletes both on and off the floor.

“Gayle was one of the most supportive, loving women I’ve ever had in my life,” Phillips said. “She was my dance coach for four years at Baldwin, but I’ll always remember how much she helped me grow and learn, in dance and my life. She has always been so passionate about helping out the girls on the team and she always works so hard. From checking up on our grades to disciplining us when we needed it, she always had our best interest at heart. Gayle has taught me to try harder than I ever would have dared to. I like to think she had a huge impact on the person I am today.”

Gayle’s decision was not an easy one to make. She loves what she does and will miss it.

“It was a really tough decision,” Dempsey said. “ I will really miss coaching.”