Dahl aces third consecutive State Tournament

October 23, 2009  
Filed under High School, Sports

By Derek Stark

One of Fort’s most accomplished athletes in the past four years has been Senior Leah Dahl.

With her fourth and final season all but over, Dahl posting a 23-1 record, earned first place in conference, and has advanced to state for the third time consecutively.

“Leah had a great season, she was a true leader and role model for the other girls,” Senior Olivia Hartwick said.

At the age of four, Leah picked up her first tennis racket, but it wasn’t until around seventh grade when she became serious about tennis.

In joining the United States Tennis Association, Dahl gained a lot of experience by competing in weekly tournaments around the state, against other top players in Wisconsin.

During her freshman year on the varsity tennis team, Dahl finished third place in the Southern Lakes Conference and found herself at the Sectional Tournament after winning her Sub-Sectional.

“From the beginning, Leah was put into the toughest spot on the team at #1 singles and she has never looked back,” Tennis Coach Mike DeRubeis said.

It was at the sub-sectional that Dahl’s impressive freshman campaign came to a close, with a disappointing loss.

“My inexperience and nerves got to me, and with my opponent, a senior, definitely had the upper-hand from the start,” Dahl said.

Dahl returned her Sophomore year inspired to improve after the Sectional Final loss and made it her goal to reach the State Tournament.

After once again placing third in conference (behind Beth Ganser of Jefferson, and Caroline Starck of Big Foot), Dahl found herself in the same spot as her freshman season: one match away from state.

This time Dahl earned a spot in the State Tournament, where she was eventually defeated in the first round.

A move to the Southern Badger Conference changed the outlook for her junior season.

Dahl was excited for the competition the new conference held and it did not disappoint her.

She held a record of 25-2, earning first place in conference, and, on top of it all, making it to state for a second consecutive year.

“Leah takes everything in stride and would excel in any conference in the state,” DeRubeis said.

This resume is one many athletes dream of, but some may not realize the amount of commitment and hard work Dahl has put in.

“Not too many players accomplish or do what Leah has done over her career.  It has been a pleasure and an honor to coach Leah over the last 4 years.  She truly will be missed,” Derubeis said.

Dahl also puts a lot of work in and out of the tennis season at the local tennis courts, located next to the Fort Pool.

She can still be seen training there with her father, Jim Dahl, who has been working with her since day one.

“He has always pushed me to be the best I can be, without ruining my love for the game,” Dahl said.

With all the work Leah has put in, it’s no surprise that she has been one of the most successful athletes Fort Atkinson has seen in years.

Dahl’s hard work and determination has put her in a position to continue her tennis career next year, when she hopes to be attending University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.

“Leah has always been a hard worker and really puts a lot of effot into tennis.  Her hard work has paid off in all of her high school years and will continue to help in her college career.

Anticipating her future, Leah is trying to focus on finishing strong her senior year.

For that to happen, Leah knows she will have to play at the top of her game as the competition at state will be tough.

“I just hope to be playing on the second day of state. If it goes further than that, it will just be icing on the cake.” Dahl said.

Coach Derubeis has slightly different expectations for State Tournament.

“Leah has an extremely nice draw at the state tournament and she has the ability to go as far into the draw as she wants.  It would not surprise me if she was able to win a few rounds and potentially make it to Saturday and have a chance to finish in the top 8,” DeRubeis said.

Dahl ended up losing in the first round to Nicolet’s Rachelle Brick.

It was an intense battle back and forth and came down to a tie breaker. She couldn’t quite edge out Brick, who scored 3 points unanswered by Dahl. Brick ended up winning the set, with a small 5-4 lead, to an 8-4 advantage, and Dahl was unable to bounce back.

The season is all but over for Leah. She is looking forward to today’s match, where she and the rest of the blackhawk squad will battle Nicolet.

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