The Lakes Conference has named Spirit Lake-Okoboji junior KJ Veldman as
is girls tennis Player of the Year, following an undefeated run in
league play this spring. Veldman finished 8-0 during dual conference
matches at No. 1 singles, tallying 180 points. That put her 20 points
ahead of Caroline Ahlers of LeMars for the top spot. The multi-sport
star earned first-team all-conference honors after winning the the
singles bracket of the conference tournament last week.
Veldman is also a two-time regional champion and state-qualifier,
finishing in the top six in Class 1A as a freshman. She helped SL-O to a
thirteenth-consecutive Lakes Conference championship, and to a pair of
regional dual wins last Saturday over Estherville-Lincoln Central and
Spencer. Thursday Spirit Lake-Okoboji will compete in Spencer, where
Veldman will attempt to make it three-straight state appearances and
regional titles. The regional final of the team duals is Saturday in
Spencer against Sioux City Bishop Heelan.
Click here for KUOO’s exclusive interview with KJ Veldman
Picture courtesy of Rachel Gerking/SLHS
