The Wrangler: What made you want to begin teaching?

Coach Noonan: I was inspired to become a teacher by my mom and my high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Naiser. Both of these women were incredible educators who had a positive impact on countless lives. They opened my eyes to how rewarding being a teacher truly is.

The Wrangler: Why did you decide to teach the subject of Chemistry?

Coach Noonan: Growing up I never had much interest in science, but I loved writing and math. Once I started taking chemistry my sophomore year of high school it completely shifted my mindset toward science. I learned how to apply math to real-world situations in chemistry which I found extremely useful and interesting.

The Wrangler: What made you choose George Ranch?

Coach Noonan: I had my heart set on teaching at George Ranch because the chemistry team here is extremely strong and cohesive. I knew that I wanted to work alongside other educators that were just as excited as me to inspire the new generation.

The Wrangler: How has teaching shifted since COVID has started?

Coach Noonan: Ever since COVID started we have had to work creatively to keep our chemistry class very hands-on and visual while remaining safe. As a team, we spend hours coming up with solutions and ways to socially distance while completing labs and activities.

The Wrangler: How has social distancing differed the way your classroom operates?

Coach Noonan: Social distancing has changed the way my classroom operates, but I appreciate the structure to our new classroom procedures. It has given me an opportunity to rethink and rework certain activities.

The Wrangler: How did you get into tennis?

Coach Noonan: I started playing tennis when I was 6 years old. My brother would take me to the tennis courts almost every day to play. He is seven years older than me and coached me through most of my tennis career. Tennis has always been an outlet for me, and I can’t imagine my life without it. I played competitively for about 12 years before going to college for Chemistry.

The Wrangler: Why did you ultimately decide to coach tennis when you began teaching?

Coach Noonan: I have always had a passion for playing and coaching tennis, so when the opportunity to coach at George Ranch was offered to me I couldn’t resist.

The Wrangler: Has coaching for tennis changed since COVID began? How?

Coach Noonan: George Ranch tennis has slightly changed since the pandemic, but for the most part tennis is one of the most socially distance sports. We have integrated frequent hand sanitizing into our practices and screening for all virtual athletes.

The Wrangler: Has the connection between you and your students been different this year due to social distancing and masks? How?

Coach Noonan: The connection between my students and me this year is as strong as ever. However, initially, I did face a hard time building relationships with my virtual students. As time went on, I feel a solid connection with all of my students and athletes.

The Wrangler: How has your Crohn’s disease impacted the way you view COVID?

Coach Noonan: For those that don’t know, Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which my immune system attacks my small intestine. I receive chemotherapy every six weeks to keep my Crohn’s in remission and suppress my immune system. Being on this kind of treatment during the pandemic has caused me to be extremely careful and cautious. I am grateful for all of my students properly wearing their masks and socially distancing throughout this year.