Laura (Osterloo) Wenande set the standard for what it means to be a true student-athlete at the University of Sioux Falls. Competing for USF Women’s Tennis from 2007 to 2011, she excelled at the top of the lineup while also achieving some of the highest academic honors the university had to offer.
On the court, Wenande was a cornerstone of the Cougars’ success, helping lead the team to back-to-back GPAC Championships and an outstanding 32-4 record over four seasons. She was a four-time All-Conference honoree at No. 1 doubles and earned All-Conference recognition in both No. 1 and No. 2 singles across multiple seasons, establishing herself as one of the conference’s most consistent and versatile competitors.
In the classroom, Wenande’s achievements were equally impressive. A three-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete, she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2011 with degrees in art education and business while finishing in the top 10% of her class. Her dedication to academics and the arts was recognized with numerous honors, including the Purple Feather Award, the Outstanding Art Education Student Award, and the Carolyn Cleveland Artistic Talent Award.
Wenande’s legacy at USF is defined not just by wins and championships, but by her ability to balance excellence in athletics with distinction in academics. Wenande now resides in Mitchell, SD with her husband Nick and three children – Emery, Adler, and Baker. She now serves her community through her art as the owner and operator of LO Imijri Photography & Design.
