Top 20 Favorite High School Girls Tennis Players in Northeastern South Dakota

Roger Merriam, a seasoned sports writer for the Watertown Public Opinion, is embarking on a journey to compile a “20 Favorites” series featuring some of his favorite athletes in various high school sports in northeastern South Dakota. Since he began his tenure at the publication in December of 1984, Merriam has witnessed and chronicled the rise of numerous talented athletes in the region.

The latest installment of Merriam’s series focuses on high school girls tennis in South Dakota, a sport that has seen significant growth and success over the years. The sport transitioned from a spring sport to a fall sport in the early ’70s and has evolved into a multi-class competition, with Watertown and Milbank being the primary contenders in the region.

Watertown’s girls tennis program has seen a resurgence in the early 2000s, with notable achievements such as multiple Eastern South Dakota Conference titles and top-5 finishes at the state level. Coaches Scott Ewald and Ryan Zink have been instrumental in guiding the Arrows to success on the court.

As Merriam delves deeper into his list of favorites, he highlights the accomplishments of standout players such as Mariah Hericks, Rachel Kjetland, and Allie VanDerWeide, who have left an indelible mark on the Watertown tennis program. The series also pays tribute to the rich tradition of family involvement in the sport, with siblings and generations of players making significant contributions to the success of the teams.

With each entry on his list, Merriam shines a spotlight on the dedication, talent, and passion of these athletes who have made a lasting impact on high school girls tennis in northeastern South Dakota. As the series continues to unfold, readers can look forward to more stories of triumph, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of competition that defines the sport.