Libby Rogers made her mark on South Dakota tennis starting in 1960 through the mid 70’s. A graduate of Wilkinsburg, Pa. High School (where she played basketball and was on the swim team), she came to Sioux Falls via the University of Wisconsin, where she met her husband, Ralph (Dude) Rogers.

Shortly after marriage in 1939, they joined the Rogers’ Lakeside Dairy family business, which was started in Sioux Falls near Covell Lake in 1918. A military stint during World War II took them west for five years.

After returning to South Dakota, Libby’s interest in golf turned to tennis in the late 50’s.

"I have had good years, but my competitive tennis years were the ‘very best of times.’ Win or lose, I was so pleased to be on the court. Whether it was club, city, state or regional – singles, doubles or mixed doubles tournaments – each event with that pre-game adrenalin was exciting," said Rogers.

Long-time doubles partner Sally Clayton shared many titles, with husband Bill Clayton leading them in 6 a.m. drills at McKennan Park.

Libby was a dominant doubles player – the lanky lefthander won over 15 city and state championships. Titles stretched from city singles and doubles in 1960 to state singles in 1964 to the final title of state 35 doubles with Carol Stewart in 1976.

Caring for her ailing husband (Ralph died of cancer at age 59 in 1978) and a series of knee injuries ended her tennis career. Since then, the daily combination of bicycling and swimming has satisfied her exercise appetite. Many area charities and boards have benefited from her leadership.

Her daughter, Jan Rogers Morlino and family, live in Vermont. Libby winters in Florida and spends summers at her Sioux Falls home at Old Farm, Prairie Tree.