MERRY HILL – Yesterday was a sad day for Lawrence Academy athletics.

The Warriors lost their leader yesterday when Gennia Winslow, the school’s Athletic Director for the past three years, left for another job.

&uot;I just felt like it was the right thing for me to do at this point in my life,&uot; Winslow said. &uot;I want to do something different.&uot;

While looking forward to her next role, Winslow said she would miss Lawrence Academy and especially the athletes at the school.

&uot;I will miss the kids the most,&uot; she said. &uot;I love the kids here. They’ve meant even more to me than winning a state championship.&uot;

During her tenure at Lawrence – which encompassed four years – Winslow coached the volleyball and softball teams as well as girls basketball and junior varsity boys’ basketball.

Along the way, the Lady Warriors won a North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association state softball championship and a trio of Tarheel Independent Conference crowns.

But those titles still weren’t as important to the coach as her athletes.

&uot;The relationship I’ve built with my kids is my greatest accomplishment here,&uot; Winslow said. &uot;They’re what its all about for me.&uot;

Her athletes said Winslow was just as important to them.

&uot;She has been a great coach and a friend to us,&uot; junior Jessica Johnston said. &uot;I will truly miss her.&uot;

Senior Catherine Outten said she was sad to see her mentor leave.

&uot;She has meant more to me than I can say,&uot; Outten said. &uot;She has been a teacher, a coach and a friend. I appreciate everything she’s done for me and for all of the others who have played for her.

&uot;She’s been a role model for me and not having her in these halls everyday will be very sad,&uot; Outten closed.

During her tenure at the helm of Lawrence athletics, Winslow guided the school into the top 10 in the Wachovia Cup standings and added two sports – shooting team and boys soccer.

The school also added two state championships to their trophy case and numerous league championships.

While she is leaving the school in a fulltime role, Winslow said she would be visible at Lawrence.

&uot;I’ll be here,&uot; she insisted. &uot;I have been part of this program and I will continue to be a presence at a large number of athletic events.&uot;

Winslow graduated from Lawrence Academy and East Carolina University. She came to Lawrence after six years at Pungo Christian Academy.