Tamie Preston excelled both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities as a student at DCHS. She earned four varsity letters in tennis, three varsity letters in basketball, and was an active member of the school band before continuing her athletic career at Kansas State University.

At KSU, Preston became one of the Wildcats’ premier tennis players. A four-year varsity letter winner from 1980 to 1984, she competed as Kansas State’s No. 1 singles player throughout her collegiate career. She graduated in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Physical Education and later earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University in 1994.

Following graduation, Preston returned home to Dodge City, where she began her career teaching physical education at Central Elementary while serving as the Dodge City High School tennis coach. She later became principal at Linn Elementary before assuming the role of USD 443 District Activities Director, a position she held for 17 years. Throughout her career, Preston became known as an outstanding educator, administrator, mentor, and advocate for student involvement in academics, athletics, and activities.

Her coaching accomplishments are equally remarkable. Preston was named the Kansas 6A Girls State Tennis Coach of the Year in 1990, earned multiple Conference Coach of the Year honors, and guided her teams to six conference championships.

Her leadership and service have been recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including being named the 2015 Dodge City Woman of the Year. That same year, Dodge City High School dedicated the Preston Tennis Courts in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the school’s tennis program. In 2023, Kansas State Athletics presented Preston with the Girls and Women in Sports IMPACT Award, making her just the second recipient of the honor. The award recognizes individuals whose lifelong dedication as student-athletes, coaches, mentors, and advocates has significantly advanced opportunities for girls and women in sports.

Education has always been central to the Preston family. Both of Tamie’s parents dedicated their careers to USD 443 as teachers. Tamie is married to Greg Preston, a fellow 1980 Dodge City High School graduate and retired USD 443 school administrator.

Through her accomplishments as an athlete, coach, educator, administrator, mentor, and leader, Tamie Preston has made an immeasurable impact on the countless students whose lives have been shaped by her dedication and service.