—Photo courtesy Russ and Kathy Nelson Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Emily Knight recently completed her senior season with the University of Northwestern women’s tennis team. Knight finished fourth on the school’s career wins chart for singles and doubles.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Emily Knight has spent the last eight years competing in tennis.

Now, with several accolades on her resume, the 2015 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate is completing her degree at the University of Northwestern-St, Paul.

Knight earned a second all-Upper Midwest Athletic Conference first team honor this past spring for the Eagles, who compete in NCAA Div. III.

“I feel so lucky and honored that I have had four successful years at Northwestern,” Knight said. “Earning a first team all-conference honor makes me feel like my hard work has paid off.”

Knight, who earned a sixth place state doubles medal as a Dodger with current Winona State University player Beth Murman, finished her college career with 120 combined wins — which places her fourth on the school’s all-time list.

As a junior, Knight went 19-11 in singles and 21-10 in doubles. She followed that up with 11 singles wins and 15 more doubles victories.

“To be honest, I didn’t even realize I was close to 100 (wins) last year, so having ended my career with 120 feels amazing,” she said. “I am honored to be part of the Top-5 winningest women’s tennis players at UNW along with many other great players including my sister-in-law and best friend.”

Knight had to adjust her game to the college level both mentally and physically. She admits that “my first two years, I focused a lot more on wins and losses rather than teammate connections.

“While winning is still very important to me, I have now realized that the relationships that I have built through tennis are the most important part,” Knight said. “Tennis has brought me some of the best experiences and friendships, and I am so thankful for that.”

Knight’s future plans following graduation are to take a “gap year” until returning to school. She plans to live with four of her current tennis teammates.

“I will miss being part of a team,” Knight said. “Especially this team. They are some of the most incredible girls I have ever played alongisde and that will be a big change for me.

“I will also miss competing. I love the competition and won’t get much more of that same atmosphere in my future endeavors.”

During her career as a Dodger, Knight also placed eighth in doubles as a sophomore and qualified for state as a junior.

Knight is the daughter of Jim and Jeanne Knight.