KETTLE MORAINE, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- When she first stepped on the tennis court for Kettle Moraine High School as a freshman, Grace Sueflohn's biggest weapon was her mind. Ginny Walters coached Grace for four years. She said she's never had anyone like her.

 

 

“Grace was one of the most focused players I’ve ever had. She did not start out as the strongest technical player. She definitely had the strongest head game. Her devotion to the game was proven by her level of improvement. It was dramatic,” said Walters.

Grace represented Kettle Moraine at state three times. Ella Martin, a sophomore teammate, remembers Grace as a leader.

 

 

“She’s always created a very fun environment for everybody. She’s very welcoming. She wants people to enjoy the experience on the tennis team but she also focuses on becoming a better tennis player,” said Martin.

Grace often finished her matches early. When that happened, she'd look to find a teammate who could use some encouragement.

“If she sees someone who doesn’t have a lot of support, she’ll go over to them to cheer them on,” said Martin.

 

 

“No matter if they’re winning or losing I try to make them feel like they have support from the sidelines,” said Sueflohn.

Michelle Weber teaches Spanish at Kettle Moraine Global. She led Grace and other students on a trip to Costa Rica.

“She’s just one of those students who loves to learn, loves to explore, loves to think, loves to discuss and be intellectually stimulated," said Weber.

 

 

National Leadership Conference, School Ambassador, National Honor Society, and being a mentor to younger students are a few of Grace's achievements.

“I like helping those in the community,” said Sueflohn.

She also inspires others to do the same.

 

 

“Grace is one of those students that you want to follow, that you want to help, that you want to help give back,” said Weber.

A skilled musician, Grace spent five years in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra where she played the oboe.

Like other seniors across the state, Grace's last year of high school was cut short due to the Coronavirus.

 

 

 

“It was really frustrating. I was always hoping that we’d go back. I had a little glimmer of hope but it’s for the better and I’m just trying to stay positive through this whole thing," said Sueflohn.

As for next year, Grace plans on attending Lewis University, where she'll continue to play tennis. She's undecided on her major but wouldn't rule out coaching to pass on her tennis knowledge at some point.

“I could inspire that next generation of tennis players which sounds really interesting to me. I think I’d enjoy that," said Sueflohn.