In the first of an occasional series of coaching profiles, “The North Star” talks with Girls Tennis Coach Heather Henricksen

By Staff Writer Jennifer Fortman

Varsity girls tennis coach, Heather Henricksen, just escorted members of her team to state this weekend. However, her own tennis story started long before this moment. Henricksen, who has been coaching tennis at NNHS for four years, started playing sports at an early age.

Although she has been athletic since childhood, she credits her sister for encouraging her love of tennis.

“I loved sports as a kid, and my sister actually encouraged me to play tennis in high school instead of volleyball. That way, we could be doubles partners when she was a senior and I was a freshman. It was one of my best memories as an athlete,” said Henricksen.

Now, Henricksen coaches in a style that allows her athletes create memories as positive as the ones that she had as a high school athlete.

Junior tennis player Gabija Treciokaite’s skills have blossomed under Henricksen’s guidance.

“I feel like I have really improved my tennis skills throughout the season, which is thanks to her. She is also very encouraging and helpful when talking to my partner Olivia and I during matches,” said Treciokaite.

During her years as a high school athlete, Coach Henricksen played basketball and softball in addition to tennis. She continued her athletic career in college, playing one year of collegiate basketball and four years of tennis. According to Henricksen, her high school coach, Linda Keely, was influential in her development as an athlete and person.

“She gave me pure love for competing. She made it fun, and I could tell she loved her job and us more than anything,” Henricksen said.  “I became who I am today because of Linda Keely.”

This season, Henricksen helped lead the girls tennis team to a second place DVC finish.

“My goal in life was to be doing exactly what I am doing, and it makes me thankful every day,” Henricksen said.