Female Athlete of the Week
Cape Coral High senior Renee Deane has provided many memorable matches – mostly victories – during her outstanding four-year run with the Seahawks.
Coach Betty Henderson won’t soon forget Deane’s last singles match, a 6-3, 6-4 loss to Gulf Coast’s Amy Grossklag last Wednesday in the District 3A-12 singles finals.
Despite going up against Grossklag, a powerful player ranked 34th in the nation, Deane battled for every point and held the lead in the second set.
“It was awesome,” Henderson said of the inspiring match. “The entire place was cheering for Renee.”
Deane’s career with the Seahawks won’t be measured entirely by wins and losses, but she concluded her senior season at 17-1.
The Daily Breeze Female Athlete of the Week made a strong run at the district title. She picked up a pair of 6-0, 6-0 victories over Lehigh and Mariner opponents and added a 6-3, 6-1 win over Barron Collier to advance to the No. 1 singles final.
“I wasn’t too focused on who my opponent was,” Deane said. “I was more focused on what I needed to do.”
Deane’s own performance led a strong all-around showing by the Seahawks at the district tournament. Four of their five singles players reached the semifinals. That in itself is a clear sign of progress for the program.
Deane has been valuable in mentoring the younger players, besides her individual success.
“She’s influenced us a lot,” junior Aimee Dolorfino said. “She’s always encouraging us and helping us do our best.”
Deane, who posted back-to-back undefeated regular seasons as a junior and senior, said she’s excited about moving on to college and expects a new challenge on the court.
She’ll continue her playing career at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland and major in pre-med.
Honorable mention:
Jackie Owen, junior, North Fort Myers softball: Owen pitched a perfect game with 12 strikeouts to lead North to a 1-0 win over Riverdale in the LCAC Championship game.
Linda Kornienko, freshman, Bishop Verot tennis: Kornienko won the No. 1 singles title at the District 2A-11 Tournament, earning an automatic state berth. She and Mariel Rickert won at No. 1 doubles for a second automatic state berth.