Varsity Head Coach Clint Buetikofer has been coaching tennis for the past six years. Buetikofer said his main motivator for the LT boys tennis team is trying to finish in the top three in their conference. 

“Even though tennis can be viewed as an individual sport, high school tennis is great because it really is the whole team working together,” Buetikofer said. “For us to do well against other schools, everyone must play well and contribute.” 

The team’s practice consists of a few drills in the first hour of practice, followed by playing competitive games for the second hour, varsity team player Ari Chen ‘27 said. It helps them feel well-rounded and prepare to compete in their conference. 

“[Buetikofer] knows our capabilities and wants to see it,” Chen said. “He emphasizes certain things, such as the reaction volley, which is a warm-up drill to keep the ball from touching the ground.” 

Chen plays both soccer and tennis at LT, but tennis has a special place in his heart because he grew up playing it. His mom played tennis, and his brother, Fred Chen ‘25, was a part of the LT tennis team. However, Chen stopped playing in middle school because of his dedication to soccer. But, when he saw his brother playing tennis for LT, he wanted to do the same. 

“I wanted to do something in the spring, so I tried out for tennis,” Chen said. “I also want to be as good as I can be and switch what I like to do.”

However, varsity team player Nolan Pavlik ‘29 is the only freshman on varsity and has been playing since his earlier years in elementary school. Pavlik said that he got into tennis through his dad, and also practiced and competed outside of LT. 

“Even though I was a bit nervous at first, it has been great getting to know everyone on the team, and everyone is so kind and supportive that it doesn’t make me feel out of place in the slightest,” Pavlik said. 

The team will start sectionals on May 22 and 23 at the SC tennis courts, then, if they advance, to the state finals at Palatine High School on May 29 and 30. The lineups are decided based on matches played in practice as well as how the players perform against other schools, Buetikofer said. 

“The lineup can change for each meet,” Chen said, “So there is a chance that someone will not play or will play. We don’t know until the day of the game.” 

Additionally, the team has JV1, JV2, and varsity because it allows players to compete at different skill levels. Thus, adding to the very competitive atmosphere. 

“It makes me want to keep driving and stay competitive, which keeps me motivated,” Chen said. “I also like to compete, and that is what makes me love tennis.”