Name: Willem Knoester

Sport: Boys varsity tennis

Grade: Junior

How long have you been playing tennis? 

“I have been playing tennis ever since elementary school, but I never got super serious until high school. When I saw how much effort many of my peers and opponents put in before and during freshman year, I got super motivated to win a state championship.”

What other sports do you play at FHC? 

“I played freshman and JV baseball at FHC and have played baseball since elementary school as well.”

What is your best memory from your time playing? 

“One of my favorite memories from my time playing at FHC was this year at Kalamazoo. We were playing Division I Brother Rice, Division I Hudsonville, and Division IV Traverse City Saint Francis. Rice was always a team that if you beat, you know you had a shot at winning states. My partner and I won a tough first set tiebreak 8-6 that really changed the momentum of the match, propelling us to a 6-1 second set victory. We played a very strong team while also playing our best, which always feels great.”

Do you have any superstitions associated with your games?

“As for superstitions, I have to wear a backward hat now. Ever since I grew longer hair, I needed to wear a hat while playing, but never picked which way until last year. The brim always somewhat obstructed my view, and ever since then, even with shorter hair, I need to wear a backward hat.”

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

“My favorite professional athlete is probably Ben Shelton. When he was a junior player, he came to Kalamazoo to play in the national tournament, and I saw him play and win that tournament. It is also super cool to see a former college player reaching the success he has on his first year on tour, getting to the US Open semifinals.”

Who is the biggest influence in your athletic career and why?

“The biggest influence to my game is my dad. He played one singles at Calvin College, and he was always my mentor, especially when I was younger. We always played at Ada Park, and he would give me lessons while still beating me.”

What music do you listen to to get fired up for games?

“I don’t listen to music right before matches. The only time I listen to music is when I’m driving to a match or before warming up because I found that it is easier to focus on the match ahead by keeping a clear head, especially while warming up. If I was going to though, it would have to be Kendrick Lamar or Drake.”

Who was your favorite teacher in elementary school? 

“My favorite teacher in elementary school would have to be Mrs. Ebels from Thornapple.”