Name: Willem Knoester
Sport: Tennis
Class: Senior
How long have you been playing tennis?
“I have been playing tennis for as long as I can remember, but only started taking it seriously after freshman year. My dad was always my coach growing up because he played in college and helped me along my journey.”
What other sports do you play at FHC?
“I don’t currently play any other sports at FHC, but I did play baseball freshman and sophomore years. I’m considering playing senior year or maybe trying out track for fun.”
What is the best memory of your time playing tennis?
“My favorite memories from the team were either last year when I won the state championship or my sophomore year where at one of the overnights, we invited the entire Grosse Pointe South team into one of our hotel rooms and did karaoke with them for a while.”
What are your individual goals this season?
“My biggest goal for the season this year is definitely to win another state championship. I would rather win the team state championship, but going back-to-back individually would just be the icing on the cake. That’s what we work so hard for. It’s also possible that I could break the FHC all time win record because I’m on pace to do that, that would be pretty cool too.”
Who is the biggest influence on your athletic career and why?
“The biggest influence on my athletic career has definitely been the American professional players. The United States Tennis Association has their boys’ 18s national tournament in Kalamazoo every year, so I always go down to watch the best up and coming American players. It’s super fun to see them jump into the professional scene knowing that I saw them play as a kid.”
What music do you listen to to get fired up for games?
“I don’t listen to music right before games to get fired up. Maybe sometimes driving to the event or stretching, but not warming up. I prefer to intensely concentrate on my gameplan and watch the other players instead in silence, so I can get fired up during the match.”
Do you have any superstitions associated with your games?
“I do have superstitions along with my game. It used to be a backward hat, but now it is my racquet and how many times I bounce the ball. I always spin my racquet in between points and bounce the ball twice or three times before serving. I don’t know why I just do it.”
What is your favorite class this year and why?
“My favorite class this year is Yoga. I have yoga for first hour, so it is a chill and relaxing first hour to start the day. Stretching and walking in the morning just feels really good. “
