“Super Fan” Mr. Tom Lewis loved Chelsea Athletics with a passion. For 10 years, he came to every volleyball and softball game, and as many other sports as he could. On October 17th, he passed away after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood. The love that he showed for others was unwavering, and he will always be remembered for his unconditional devotion.
“I'd see him at every game and I didn't know who he was at first. I thought he was someone’s grandpa or family member. But then, I actually found out that he was just there to watch people, and not specifically for anyone, but just to support the athletes,” Ella Root (‘26) said.
Mr. Tom started going to Chelsea athletic events in 2014, after his wife, Marilyn, passed away. After so many years of watching softball and volleyball games, both teams honored him by giving him a special seat in the bleachers with his name on a plaque. He received his seat plaque for softball in the spring of ‘25 after his health was declining, and he got his volleyball plaque this past October, before his passing. Athletes said they could always look to his spot and see him smiling.
“He always was giving that positive energy in the room, and you could really feel it wherever you played. You always knew Tom was there cheering you on,” Peyton Myers (‘27) said.
Through sickness and health, rain or shine, Mr. Tom was always at games supporting the athletes he loved. Every time he came to a sporting event, he always sat in the same spot in the bleachers for volleyball, in the same seat to watch softball, so people always knew he was there supporting them. He became so important to the athletes that loved him because of his unwavering love and support.
“He came to every game that he could freshman through junior year, and then once he got sick, I started to go and pick him up for games and then take him,” Kaydee Absher (‘26) said.
Mr. Tom found many different ways to support athletes other than just going to their games. He bought books for them about their attitude and how it transfers to their sport. He would also text the girls warm messages through Instagram, letting them know that they were loved and supported, no matter their performance.
“Right before Regionals for softball, he texted me and said, ‘Many years ago, a coach from different sports said the only six words that a young competitor needs to hear from a parent or caring adult before a competition: Play Hard. Have Fun. Love You. Those are my words to you this morning’ and it made me cry,” Myers said.
Athletes that knew him recall that the first thing they noticed about Mr. Tom was the large cross he wore around his neck. He was an active member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church and served as a youth group leader there for many years. His faith was shown in the way he spoke and how he supported others.
“I think he showed God's love on his chest before he showed his own. He wanted us to know that no matter what, our identity is found in Christ and not in the sport we play, not in our success,” Absher said.
Now that Mr. Tom has passed, his actions are praised even more than before. In the games after his passing, the Freshman, JV, and Varsity volleyball teams all sported an arm band with his name on it. During senior night, all 8 seniors also put their flowers on his designated seat, remembering his support and love for Chelsea Athletics.
“I don't think it has to be anything bold or crazy. I think just remembering what he stood for in that he wanted us to love the game, love each other, love God, and play with that intent every day,” Absher said.
Most people describe Mr. Tom as genuine and caring, but he was so much more than that. He was such an important figure in the Chelsea athletic community, especially for female athletes. After having five daughters and six athletes in the house, he knew how to support and love them through wins and losses. After everything Mr. Tom did, the softball and volleyball programs did many things to repay him, but his love was truly the best gift.
“The fact that he showed up on his own time and supported us, and did that without getting anything from it, besides the enjoyment of watching us play made him the symbol of Chelsea athletics,” Root said.
The author of this story, Avery Cousino, knew Mr. Tom from her church. He was her youth group leader for 3 years and showed up to her basketball and volleyball games, but also her club soccer games that were farther away. He inspired her to lead a life driven by unconditional love and to be confident in her faith.
