The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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WOMEN'S TENNIS PROFILE an amazing job," Michigan head coach Ronni Bernstein said. "Her first couple years here, we talked about her stepping up and being a leader. She brings a ton of energy, and she works hard every day. She sets a great example. She is will- ing to call people out if need be or lend support. She has a really strong presence." Dodge had the opportunity to work on her leadership skills this summer, as a member of the Michi- gan Leadership Academy. The program is run through the Jeff Janssen Sports Leadership Center, and each team on campus selected a representative. The group flew down to New Orleans to learn about lead- ership and do charitable works. "We helped paint hallways for schools and built a garden," Dodge said. "We helped tear an old play- ground down and build a new one. We got to separate Mardi Gras beads to recycle them. And we learned how to be a leader within the team, things they can do to get their team com- pelled and together to believe in the program. "My favorite part was getting to meet other student-athletes and making these bonds with people I will have for the rest of my life with some of the leaders from other teams on campus. It was really cool to be able to help out the community and see the difference we were mak- ing. We got to meet with the teach- ers of the school, and they were so appreciative." And her time there has helped her cultivate an even bigger presence as a leader on the team. "Typically, your captains are the kids playing at the top of your lineup, but that is how much her teammates think of her, when they voted her a captain," Bernstein said. "She has the coaches' voice, and she has the kids' voice. She does a good job in between. She is going to do what is best for the team. She has really been great." Although Dodge is not consistently in the lineup, she has been a reliable option in the No. 5 and No. 6 singles slots when the Wolverines need her. Through her first three years, she posted a 49-29 record playing in those spots. This year, she had posted a 13-7 singles record to start the campaign. "She helps us out a ton, but she is not in the lineup a ton," Bernstein said. "She never questions that. She is ready when she is called upon, and she gives her all. Whatever it takes, she is willing to do it. "She plays lower in the lineup. Mostly at five and six and helps in doubles, too. The beauty of college tennis is it doesn't matter where you're playing. As long as you get the point, a point is a point. If we win three through six, we get the four points. You need to be solid all the way down the lineup, and she brings a lot. "When you play her, you have to earn it. She makes you play, and she competes hard, and that is what we're looking for." — Andy Reid