For the first time since the 1980s, Dave Adams won’t start the year as Cheyenne Mountain’s head tennis coach.

And Adams is fine with that.

“It was definitely time,” Adams said. “A couple of (coaches) were in our 60s and three of us were in our 70s, so we all recognize it’s time. We’re still somewhat involved and that’s good as well. I thought I would do this as long as my kids were there. But my son graduated in 2009 and my daughter graduated in 2012. But I went another 14-15 years after that.”

Adams retired to conclude the 2026 girls’ tennis season and helped bring a bevy of championships to Cheyenne Mountain, including his final title as a head coach.

The Red-Tailed Hawks girls earned back-to-back titles with a sweep at the team tournament. That was preceded by a dominant run at the state individual tournament where Cheyenne Mountain collected five of the seven individual titles.

During Adams’ time at the helm of Cheyenne Mountain’s tennis programs, which began in 1987 with the boys and 2007 for the girls, the Red-Tailed Hawks acquired more than 30 team championships and numerous individuals secured state titles.

“I’m blessed that I inherited him when I took this job 20 years ago,” Cheyenne Mountain Athletic Director Kris Roberts said. “He created an exceptional standard for all of us and for the tennis program. You value everything about him: the conversations, the professionalism, the standards and all those things he expected from his athletes over the years.

“The guy is literally a legend and we’re forever indebted to his legacy. Of (Cheyenne Mountain’s) 120-some-odd championships, he nearly has 50 of them.”

Although Adams is retired, he has remained with the Red-Tailed Hawks in an assistant coach role. Kristin Gobberg is now head coach of the program and owns the credentials to replace the longtime coach.

Gobberg played Division-I tennis at Villanova University and currently serves as lead racquet professional at The Broadmoor, where she also leads the Women’s United States Tennis Association’s tennis program.

“You honor the historical perspective, but I know there are twists that she’ll have for the program that will be better,” Roberts said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the value that Kristin brings to the program and I think it’s going to be fantastic.”

Adams said he’s grateful to have new blood injected into the Red-Tailed Hawks’ metaphorical veins. While he understands not to unnecessarily intervene during practice, Adams said Gobberg has been a sponge and couples her experience with occasional advice.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with her and it’s a fine line trying to make sure I don’t overstep my bounds and stay out of her way,” Adams said. “But this has been so much fun. She has a great sense of humor and is fun to be around. She has a contagious energy and, as the kids get more used to her, they’re going to love her style and love playing for her.”