RIDGEWOOD

Ridgewood tennis player will pursue dream at West Point

Bob Shwalb
Correspondent

Like many of her high school classmates, Alana Kerner isn’t sure what type of career she’ll pursue. These days, the Ridgewood senior has several things in mind, including military intelligence, engineering and aviation.

“Flying helicopters would be amazing,” Kerner said. “I’ve watched videos of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters and it’s really interesting … all the things they can do.”

In the years ahead, Kerner could do any number of things. An elite student and one of the top school girl tennis players in New Jersey, Kerner was recently accepted by the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

“From the first day I went there, I knew it was West Point or nowhere,” said Kerner, who didn’t apply to any other schools. “West Point has consumed all my thoughts and energy for the past three years and I’m so happy my dream has finally come true.”

Tennis player Alana Kerner, of Ridgewood, was recently accepted by the United States Military Academy at West Point (NY).

When Kerner was young, she never envisioned a military career but was always patriotic. In middle school, she memorized the United States Flag Code; 11 rules that detail how the Stars and Stripes should be handled and displayed. When Kerner was in the car, she’d point out homes that were not in compliance.

“It was a weird little hobby of mine,” Kerner laughed.

While Kerner loved red, white and blue, her road to being a Black Knight happened strictly by chance. Before her freshman year, Kerner was attending a junior tennis event in Kalamazoo, Michigan and was assigned to work with Army men’s assistant coach Randy Rowley. The two formed an instant bond that’s lasted until this day.

That winter, Kerner needed a new coach and started commuting to West Point to train with Rowley. Her parents, Sam and Clair, were impressed by the female cadets they’d meet, Clair calling them “a group of strong, confident, terrific women who thrive in their environment.”

“The first thing I noticed about the Army is that there’s no race or gender … it’s just green... and that’s really important to me,” Alana Kerner said. “They judge people based on their abilities and what they have to offer to the Army.”

The ultra-private Alana didn’t tell her parents she was totally focused on West Point for over a year. When she finally did, it started a year-long, eight-step admissions process that Kerner called “stressful and nerve-wracking.” If she didn’t get in, she planned to take a gap year before reapplying, this time with some backup schools.

In February, Kerner was finally able to relax when cleared the final hurdles. After receiving a congressional nomination to attend West Point from NJ Representative Josh Gottheimer, Kerner was selected by the school as an incoming cadet.

On top of being admitted to West Point, Kerner was thrilled by the opportunity to play Division 1 tennis. She will join a powerhouse Black Knights team that’s won 15 of the last 16 Patriot League championships.

West Point women’s coach Paul Peck said sports play a huge role at the academy and that, on a typical late afternoon, almost every cadet is taking part in one team sport or another.

“Being a leader on a team is like being a platoon leader,” Peck said. “All the things you need to have a winning team cross over to what you need in the military. You need discipline, self-sacrifice and camaraderie. We believe sports are a great way to help develop leadership skills.”

In the years ahead, Alana will build these skills while putting her patriotism to use.

Clair Kerner said, “Like so many young people today, Alana is concerned with the future of our country and the Army is her way of making a positive change.”

“I know America’s not perfect but there’s so much to be grateful for,” Alana Kerner said. “Everything I’m able to do … play tennis, self-express … it’s all predicated on our liberty. And none of that is possible without the Armed Forces.

“That’s something not everyone truly understands. But if you do, you have to be willing to serve and fight for it.”

Four years from now, Kerner will graduate as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army and begin a five-year commitment in the military. Depending on the path she takes and the mission she’s assigned to, Kerner could conceivably find herself in a faraway land, leading fellow soldiers in battle.

When Clair Kerner was asked if it took her a couple days to get used to the idea, she said, “A couple days? I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.”

“There’s always a risk of danger but that comes with the territory,” Clair said. “We’re intensely proud of Alana and love and support her 100 percent. We have faith that everything will be ok.”

Alana's dad said his daughter is someone who’s always running towards a challenge rather than away from it.

“Leading other people in the Army would be a great opportunity … something I’d be really excited for,” Alana Kerner said.

“Of course there’s an element of fear. But the Army is known for instilling the bravery, motivation and discipline you need to accomplish your mission successfully.”