RAPID CITY, SD – Rapid City Stevens girls tennis team was recognized Monday night during the Rapid City Common Council meeting for earning the 2026 SDHSAA Class AA Girls Tennis State Championship.

This marks the third consecutive state title for the Stevens’ team.

Steven’s Tennis Coach Jason Olson said the team entered the season ranked third or fourth, not favored to win. Olson said the team had lost four returning varsity players, and every player had to move up at least two spots.

“So, they really didn’t know they weren’t the favorite, and they didn’t play like they weren’t the favorite the whole year. They just came out and competed all the time,” Olson said.

Olson said the team members were unbelievable off the field, as well as on, as they were involved in the Youth City Council, Youth School Board, and several other activities.

“And I think that’s as important as being great athletes, being a student athlete, and giving back to your community,” he said.

Olson was hired to lead the tennis program in 1997 and has worked with the Rapid City Recreation Department’s tennis program for more than 40 years. Olson was named National High School Tennis Coach of the Year in 2016, named to the South Dakota High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2020, the Stevens Hall of Fame in 2024, and inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in the summer of 2026.