Isla Dubendorf poses on the tennis court she has come to rule.
I am often accused of picking on South Whidbey (and it’s mostly true), so, from time to time, I offer an olive branch to Coupeville’s closest rival.
While I don’t exactly want the Falcons to beat the Wolves at anything, the reality is there are a lot of very talented, very smart young men and women wearing the blue and white.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge them.
Cause Lord knows the Canadian-owned South Whidbey Record isn’t exactly doing a bang-up job at it.
Isla Dubendorf can do just about anything.
The South Whidbey High School junior is currently the #1 singles player for the high-powered Falcon girls’ tennis squad, but that’s just the beginning.
Toss in varsity soccer, ski racing for the Stevens Pass Alpine Club, her work as both a swim and tennis instructor, time as a Spanish Camp counselor and math tutor and membership in Key Club and Spanish Club.
And that’s before we get to her academic credentials, which includes a 4.0 GPA, membership in the National Honor Society and her selection as an American Association of University Women scholar in science.
In her free time (she DOES have some, taking a break after being in her school’s ASB the previous two years), Dubendorf enjoys herself, even if her mind is still possibly buzzing from all her activities.
“I really enjoy learning new things about the world around me, as well as learning different languages,” Dubendorf said. “During my free time I love hanging out with my friends and family, or sitting outside on a warm day on Whidbey Island.
“What I love about both South and Central Whidbey are the smaller communities and the beauty of the Island,” she added. “I enjoy the friends I have in both South Whidbey and Coupeville and the fun rivalry between the two schools.”
And the tasty treats to be found no matter where she is.
“I also love the delicious food in both places,” Dubendorf said. “Such as China City, the Village Pizzeria, and The Knead and Feed’s incredible cinnamon rolls!”
Whether she’s on the tennis court, or participating in any of her sports, Dubendorf is always looking to get better. A hard worker, she enjoys the side benefits she gets from competition almost as much as the wins.
“I think my best athletic strength is probably self determination and the desire to always improve,” she said. “I strive to do my best in what I’m doing and also look for ways to refine my game.
“What I love about the sports I play is how good it makes me feel after a hard practice or game and the feeling of accomplishment when I do well,” Dubendorf added. “I also enjoy the competition and adrenaline before a match or a game or a race.”
She tends to listen to pop or dubstep music, “or something that can get me hyped up and excited for a game,” and it’s worked out well.
As a sophomore she finished fourth at districts while playing doubles, helping South Whidbey capture the team title. Then this year she netted a goal against Blaine in a district playoff soccer game.
Dubendorf credits her family and coaches for providing her with the guidance necessary to both enjoy her sports and continue to develop her skills.
“My family has always had a big impact on me, whether they’re encouraging me to try my best or supporting me in what I’m doing,” she said.
“Coach Kramer and Coach Gochanour have also had a great impact on my overall sports (especially tennis) career,” Dubendorf added. “They let me know what I need to work on, show me the right technique for certain shots, and, with their excellent history in tennis, inspire me to always work hard.”
A big fan of her Pre-Calculus and AP United States History classes, which both require hard work, Dubendorf is committed to keeping her GPA as stellar as her tennis game.
Her future plans include attending college, with an eye on majoring in biology or mathematics. She’d also like to take her racket along with her when she goes.
“I am determined to improve my skills in tennis enough over the next year to be able to play in college!”
Coupeville Sports 