Dillon Hogan/ Winonan

The Winona State women’s tennis team has only one senior on its roster for the 2015 season. Leah Dahl has taken up the mantle of the senior leader for the young tennis team, an idea that did not seem likely at the start of the school year.

After two surgeries on the hips, Dahl still had one year left of eligibility and head coach Heather Pierce was able to convince her to return for one last season.

“Coming back to play on the team for another year was something that Heather and I joked about some, but she seriously approached me to play in the winter,” Dahl said. “My thought process was that this would be my last chance to play college sports, so I should take that opportunity.”

Despite playing a full season worth of games, Dahl is busy in her downtime as well. She works as a nurse at Winona Health in the ER and has to make her schedules work between both commitments.

Dahl said, “I am glad for the opportunity to continue to compete.”

To compensate for her busy schedule the team has had to practice without Dahl and yet still fully support her.

“I am very grateful that Heather and my teammates have been flexible with my schedule,” Dahl said. “I am not able to make it to all of the practice and a couple of the matches because of work, but it has actually been a blessing in disguise because it gives my hips the rest that they need.”

Now that Pierce is the head coach, she and Dahl no longer have a teammate relationship, but instead have a new coach-to-player relationship. Dahl said she enjoys playing for Pierce, who has “a competitive nature, which is a great quality to have.”

Dahl said, “I remember her being a fighter and never giving up in any match that she played.  She is a great role model to look up to.”

Dahl’s teammates and coach have equally positive things to say about Dahl. Coach Pierce called Dahl “an excellent addition to the team.”

“She is doing awesome this season and has been helpful from the start of the season,” Pierce said. “Leah has been a leader on this team and has done an excellent job of setting a good example to all the other girls.”

Dahl’s partner in doubles, Katie Scruggs, echoes a similar sentiment.

Scruggs said, “As both a teammate and a leader, Leah brings a positive attitude both on and off the courts. She is always super encouraging and is so supportive of everyone.”

Throughout her seasons at Winona, Dahl has made her share of lasting memories. She said some that stand out include playing at the ITA’s her freshman year.

“I took about a month off of tennis before I came to school, and the ITA’s was one of our first matches. I remember really enjoying hitting and competing again,” Dahl said.

Dahl said she fondly remembers not just the thrill of competing, but also all the time spent traveling. She reminisces about Regionals her freshman year in Colorado where “we ended up losing, but it was a great experience.”

“I remember we had to take a really small plane with only about 13 rows. Once we got there it was beautiful and when you would look up from the tennis courts the mountains would be in the background.”

Winona State (6-8 overall) faces four regular season matches before the NSIC Tournament. The Warriors play Minnesota State University Moorhead and University of Mary Saturday and Sunday in Moorhead, Minn. They will finish the season against Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and St. Norbert College at home the following weekend.