Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Danica Carlberg (Girls Tennis)
When senior Danica Carlberg first entered Leominster High School four years ago, tennis was not on her radar. Now, three seasons later, she serves as a tri-captain for the Blue Devils.
“During my sophomore year, Coach Robichaud, who was my American Studies teacher at the time, asked if I would be interested in joining the team after hearing I played volleyball,” said Carlberg. “Since a few of my volleyball teammates were already involved with the program, I decided to join the team.”
Carlberg has embraced the sport, enjoying both its strategy and fast-paced nature, which requires players to balance patience with quick reactions.
Most importantly, she values the friendships she has built through the program.
“The thing I like most about being a part of the tennis team at LHS is the friends I have made throughout the years,” said Carlberg. “As a doubles player, you have to be able to trust your teammate and know that they will have your back. I have played with almost everyone else on the team, and I can definitely say that this is true for all of them on and off the court.”
Since joining the team, Carlberg has been a key contributor. She went 3-1 in second doubles as a sophomore and 7-3 overall as a junior, while earning Mid-Wach B Academic All-Star honors in both seasons. Her performance and leadership made her a natural choice for team captain this year.
"Danica is in her third year with the program and has grown into a trusted veteran and proven leader,” said head coach Daryl Robichaud. “She is a high-level student with strong leadership skills. Those leadership skills allowed for her to be selected as a team captain for the 2026 season.”
Carlberg credits much of her development to the lessons she has learned from her coach.
“Something I have learned from (Coach) Roby throughout my tennis career is that I can do anything I set my mind to,” Carlberg said. “Tennis is very much a mental game, so it's important to stay positive after every point and know that even if you make a mistake, you can win the next one.”
After graduation, Carlberg plans to attend Boston College to study nursing and continue her education to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
Outside of athletics, Carlberg is a member of the LHS volleyball team, GIVE, and National Honor Society, and she volunteers as a tutor. In her free time, she enjoys shopping with friends, doing arts and crafts, exploring Boston, and trying new restaurants.
“Throughout my high school career, my favorite class was AP Biology with Mr. Gamache,” Carlberg said. “My favorite teacher was Ms. Piragis for Spanish II and III.”
Carlberg has embraced the opportunity during these last three years to leave her mark on both the Blue Devil girls tennis team and the LHS community.
“Danica's departure at the end of this season will leave a huge void that will need to be filled,” said Robichaud.