On April 28 at the annual Heron Awards Banquet, longtime assistant tennis coach Len DeFrancesco '56 was presented the Heron Award for his commitment to William Smith College and its athletics program. After spending more than two decades courtside, DeFrancesco retired from coaching following the 2008 fall season.

As a Hobart student, DeFrancesco was a member of the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. Only after college did he begin to learn and play the game of tennis. Eventually he took over the Geneva Recreation Department tennis program, which he ran for 20 years before joining the William Smith tennis staff.

DeFrancesco began coaching the Herons alongside the late Professor Emerita and former coach Mary Hosking, and continued with former coach Betsy Brown and current coach Chip Fishback. Over the years, he has guided numerous William Smith student-athletes. His natural teaching skills and easy-going manner have kept him a campus favorite.

DeFrancesco spent over 35 years as a teacher and counselor in the Finger Lakes region, and remains active in the Geneva community. He continues to be a regular volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Community Lunch program.

Recent recipients of the Heron Award include Ginger Adams Simon '83 (Fall 2008), Mary Stowell Nelson '82 (Fall 2008), former William Smith Dean Debra DeMeis (Spring 2008), and volunteer assistant rowing coach S. Ford Weiskittel (Spring 2007).