Albert Lea senior guard scores 1,000th point earlier this month

As a young girl, Albert Lea Tigers senior guard Rachel Rehnelt became accustomed to competing against players a few years older than her, a varsity starter by her ninth-grade year.

Three years later, Rehnelt achieved a feat that only seven other Tigers girls’ basketball players have on their resume: scoring 1,000 points.

Rehnelt reached the mark Dec. 12 during a home game against Rochester Century. Following the made basket, the horn buzzed and people presented her with balloons marking her feat.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. “It’s kind of something that I always wanted to accomplish.”

Rehnelt was on the varsity squad when her sister, Sydney Rehnelt, scored her 1,000th point, and she played alongside Bryn Woodside and Megan Kortan when they reached the same milestone.

Though the Tigers had an 0-7 record heading into Thursday’s home game against Northfield, Rehnelt, an All-Conference selection as a junior, said she enjoys her teammates and has a good relationship with coach Karol Hansen.

“She’s awesome,” Rehnelt said.

Hansen said Rehnelt eclipsing 1,000 career points speaks to her dedication, work ethic, commitment and offseason work.

“Rachel’s been a gym rat since her sister’s been playing,” Hansen said.

Rehnelt said “it’s definitely possible,” she will become the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer this year, though if she plays a sport in college, it will be soccer at Gustavus Adolphus College.

A forward and two-time All-Conference forward in soccer, Rehnelt is also looking into attending Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

To Rehnelt, playing sports allows her to compete.

“I’m really competitive,” she said. “I like the competitive side of it.”

Rehnelt’s favorite memory of playing basketball came in her seventh-grade year when she made the game-winning three-point field goal in the final seconds of a game against Fairmont.

“I’ll never forget that,” she said.

“I was just a little seventh-grader. I was so proud of myself.”

Hansen said Rehnelt is a productive offensive player even though defenses know she is the Tigers’ No. 1 scoring option. 

Hansen called Rehnelt a “really smart defender,” who knows how to anticipate on the court and has undertaken more of a rebounding responsibility.

“She’s able to shoot from the outside and yet take it to the basket,” Hansen said, adding Rehnelt has taken on the role of captain for the team and has shown she is a leader by how she plays the game, as well as her dedication and commitment to the sport.

“I’m just really proud of Rachel and really proud that she reached that milestone,” Hansen said.