World Team Tennis Spotlight: Wisconsin

“What was really cool about that team last year was a lot of those kids, I  trained for the past 10 years at my 11 & under training centers,” said Liefert. “I remember them when they were 10 and then they went through the 14 & under training centers, finally graduating to the 18 & under training centers.

“I’ve been with those kids for the last 10 years.”

Not only have the coaches expressed how thankful they are to be a part of something so exciting in the tennis world, it is the players who have reaped the benefits.

In her third year on the team, Lauren Landstrom has been an avid tennis player all her life. Now as a senior in high school, Landstrom has committed to La Salle University in Philadelphia. Not only has the experience prepared her for a spot on a college team, she believes the life lessons learned have been invaluable.

“My favorite part of it and what I think is most beneficial is being part of a team,” said Landstrom. “I think that sets you up well, not just in tennis and in an athletic aspect, but also in a way that improves your communication skills in the real world.”

Landstrom has known many of the players on the team for years, so to have the opportunity to travel to San Diego for the National Championship last year was one for the books. Landstrom says she played some of her best tennis at the National Championship because it was for the good of the team.

As a parent, Carolyn Landstrom appreciates the journey to Nationals and the work ethic it taught her daughter and other players. She says this is something her daughter will take with her throughout her tennis career.

“For me, the best part was the progression from the local level to the regional WTT and then into the National WTT,” said Carolyn. “It was the striving and earning your place at each level.”

Neuberger, coach for the team at the National Championship, has seen her fair share of tennis throughout her life as a former professional player. To her, the experience was one of her favorite moments and something she will remember for the rest of her life.

Though last year was the first time the team made a National appearance in several years, the drive to succeed remains strong. Coaches and players alike are eager to see what the year brings and how Wisconsin can continue to make a name for themselves in the WTT world.