By Moselaunch 
For the last 45 years, Steve Chronister has been a pillar of Bellingham High’s tennis program, watching from the sidelines as his teams dominated the courts. Last week, his incredible journey reached a historic milestone—1,000 career victories—when his players triumphed over Mount Vernon. Just a week later, his record has grown even more, standing at 1,002 wins as of October 8th. Chronister reflected on the achievement, humbly noting, “It’s hard to wrap my brain around it sometimes, but it happens when you keep living.”
Chronister, whose Steve Chronister career victories may be unmatched in Washington, holds a coaching record that speaks for itself. With 39 league titles, 26 district championships, and 27 top-eight finishes at state, his teams have consistently been at the forefront of high school tennis. His accomplishments include guiding Bellingham’s girls’ team to a state title in 2017 and the boys’ team in 2019. Chronister’s legacy has not just been defined by numbers but by the lasting impact he’s made on his players and fellow coaches.
Throughout his career, Steve Chronister’s career victories have been a testament to his skill, consistency, and the deep relationships he builds with his players. Sehome’s Athletic Director Colin Cushman, who coached alongside him from 1992 to 2000, expressed admiration for Chronister’s dedication to the sport. “It’s impressive because in tennis, you don’t get the luxury of playing as many games as other sports. His longevity and excellence are rare.” Cushman attributes much of his own coaching success to lessons learned from Steve Chronister and credits him for shaping his values on integrity and passion for the game.
Chronister’s approach to coaching centers around empowering his players to be their best selves. A prime example is Shane Steiner, a former Sehome star in the early 1990s, whom Chronister coached to four state placements. Despite being an underdog, Chronister helped Steiner push beyond expectations. It’s clear that Steve Chronister’s career victories extend beyond wins on the scoreboard—they also include the countless lives he’s influenced through his unique coaching style. His methods focus on teaching resilience, embracing failures, and celebrating personal growth.