Umpire Lynn Welch has decided to call it quits after 22 years of working matches for the WTA, ATP, and ITF. The 56-year-old will retire to her home in Hilton Head, S.C., where she is working her last tournament this week at the Family Circle Cup.
Welch is not only known for her unflappable demeanor, but a story in USA Today says that her purposeful voice made her a bit of a cult hero. The story cited a 2009 video showing a sock puppet “falling in love” with Welch for her announcement of the word “Time.”
Welch says that she will continue to follow the sport.
“For so many years, I had the best seat in the house. It’s been a great ride,” she said.