Kathy Biddle, an institution at Clearwater who spent more than 40 years at the school as a student, teacher, coach and administrator, passed away Tuesday after a long battle with breast cancer.
Biddle graduated from Clearwater in 1974 . Five years later, she became a substitute teacher at her alma mater and was hired full-time that same school year.
Biddle stayed. She coached track and was heavily involved in every sport. She was an athletic director. Those roles endeared her to many — not just at Clearwater High but also throughout Pinellas County.
“Kathy Biddle was someone who always put kids first. It didn’t matter if it was a Clearwater person or someone from another school,” former Northeast girls basketball coach Will White, who is currently the bowling coach and athletic coordinator at the school. “She would just give the most supportive and loving smile to everyone. She was a true beacon of love who touched the lived of everyone she ever met.”
In September of 2019, Biddle was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She remained at the school and became an inspiration for many for her perseverance. Cards and letters poured in from former students and coaches and teachers.
During the fall, Clearwater decided to name the football field after her and held a surprise ceremony to announce the move.
