Two separate players, each successful in their field, share a passion for the sport of tennis. Together, senior Rory Wahlstrand and sophomore Reese Wahlstrand have greatly influenced the Mounds View girls tennis team. Between them, they have achieved numerous top rankings, from fifth place finishes to an impressive first place doubles state title last year, playing together. But aside from the titles and scores, their story stands out for a different reason: they’re sisters.
Rory Wahlstrand and Reese Wahlstrand have both become highlight players for Mounds View’s girls tennis and a key factor in the team’s success in recent seasons. During that time, they have developed not only their individual athleticism, but they have become teammates who constantly push each other towards success and improvement.
Tennis was always on the periphery of the sisters throughout their childhood, as their parents were tennis coaches themselves. “They never really coached us,” recalled Rory Wahlstrand. Rather, their parents’ interest and dedication to the game gave the two inspiration to pursue the sport of their own volition.
They initiated their careers by joining and competing in their middle school leagues, and the passion cultivated there had flourished into a major hobby by the time they reached high school, where the sport ramped up in intensity. “It really got me into playing more matches and tournaments,” Reese Wahlstrand said, reflecting on her freshman year.
That newfound motivation eventually culminated in one of their proudest achievements to date: a state doubles title. “It was just a really fun way to end the season,” Reese Wahlstrand added.
One of the things that sets the two apart from other players is how their sibling bond translates to the court. “It’s nice to have a practice partner,” said Reese Wahlstrand. “Overall, it’s fun.” Their training sessions have been a source of mutual motivation and growth over the years, not only assisting their athletic careers, but also expanding upon their relationship as sisters, a factor that contributed to their electric chemistry that won them the state doubles championship.
Competing at a high level is hardly simple, yet both sisters seem to have embraced and overcome its various challenges. Reese Wahlstrand found its difficulty as an opportunity to grow as a player, “It’s fun to have people push you,” she said.
Rory Wahlstrand finds enjoyment in the social aspect of tennis and the connections it brings. Although the practice is time consuming, they manage to balance both their athletic and social lives. “They’re mixed, because you make a lot of friends at tennis,” she said. Even with demanding schedules and their trials, neither of them have any complaints. They both view hard work as something that makes the entire experience worthwhile.
As they look towards their futures, both Rory and Reese Wahlstrand plan to continue their respective tennis careers into college, applying the lessons, memories and bond as sisters they have built with them. Together, they have built a legacy, one that stems not just from skill, but perseverance and familial support, a legacy that will continue long after they leave Mounds View.