Not many teenagers can say they’ve dedicated a decade towards something. High school senior Cooper Knutsen can say that about playing tennis. He first became interested in the sport through his older brothers and is now set to play tennis for Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. 

When looking back on his tennis career so far, one memory stands out slightly more than the rest.

“Freshman year, when me and my partner Dylan Patterson saved five match points against Cascia Hall and won 7-5 in the third set with everyone watching and cheering for us,” Knutsen described as his favorite memory. 

Although every match may not be a big story to tell, it’s all the hard-fought wins that make up a great career for an athlete. This is the feeling that drives Knutsen on the court.

“I love the feeling of winning a tight match and how when it gets tighter both players raise their level and it makes for a better match,” he said. 

Knutsen is part of the Trent Tucker Tennis Academy at RH91 (Racquet & Health 91) where he has received specialized training to improve his game. 

“I have learned many core values like discipline, professionalism, respect, and much more,” Knutsen said of RH91. “They do more than just coach great players. They create an environment for the players to prosper as tennis players, but also as people outside of the court.”

When he’s not on the tennis court, you may find Knutsen creating art, including ceramic pieces.