Coach Jack Olwell recently received notice that his team had received an academic gold distinction from the Minnesota High School Tennis Coaches Association.
"There are two levels, silver and gold," Olwell said, "and we received the highest for having our starting lineup have a grade point average of between 3.75 and 4.00 (on a 4.00 scale). This is the first time we have ever received this award."
Olwell said it is no coincidence that this year's team stood out in the classroom as much as it did on the court.
"Tennis players are typically high achievers in the classroom, so it is no surprise that this team received the recognition," he said. "Tennis tends to reward players who are intelligent since it is a game in which hundreds of split second decisions must be made in every game.
"During a season in which we went 11-6, including four 4-3 victories, having sound decision makers was often the difference. It is easy to be proud of these girls for so many reasons, not the least of which is their dedication to the sport and to their academics. It has been a great season."
Staring members on this year's team include Megan Stivers, Ryan Jara, Jessie Novotny, Callie Olmscheid, Beth Fairchild, Lindsey Fairchild, Kayla Rees, Molly Rudorfer, Hannah Toomey and Sam Gallagher.
