Coach Jay Knutson has been the high school’s boys tennis coach for over a decade. His style of developing well-rounded and skilled athletes has made his team successful for years. He has left a unique impact on every individual so that they can develop into the player they want to be. This latest season had an increase in players with limited room on varsity.
Most people join the team because of their family legacy in the sport. Players get a stronger connection to their families because almost anyone can get into tennis. Knutson believes that everyone should have a chance to be on the team, no matter how they perform.
Players like freshman Josh Severson said their moms were talented players in their prime. The early experience from playing with their parents as a kid has made most of the team very passionate and fond of the sport.
In practice the team played matches over and over to keep developing their technique. The team took the hobby and ran with it so that each individual improved the way they wanted to. Knutson sees individuals for the strengths and weaknesses they want to improve on, making most players pleased with their results.
Severson said the coaches were “really interactive” with everyone and improved little details to make each player slightly better which went a long way over the season.
Knutson is not focused on the physical aspect of the game though. He tries to work on players mental toughness and relaxation in their heads.
“People don’t know this, but tennis is kind of a game of emotions. It’s hard to stay in the game when you’re mad at yourself or the opponent,” junior Luca Weiland explained.
Emotions play a big part in the game and if the players lose focus or stop enjoying the moment, they can cost the whole game. Knutson adapts to each player’s situation. This could mean having a friendly chat to lighten their spirit, giving them feedback or making sure that they discipline themselves and their technique. He believes in treating everyone as their own person and he understands where they want the sport to be in their future. It was clear that Knutson has made a strong bond with some of the team and has let others be based on what will have them perform the best.
“Even if I make a mistake, I’m just not bothered by it. Mistakes are going to happen and it’s inevitable because I’m not perfect,” senior Noah Danker said.
Knutson has played tennis his whole life for the fun of the game. In college he started coaching tennis by teaching people of all ages how to improve or get involved in the sport. Coaching is mostly for his own enjoyment, but he has created a lot of success for the boys team and a lasting impact. He has also seen an increase in numbers and amassed about 10 additional players this season.
“We like the participation but then also we have so many more kids than the other teams do, so we play this team but you’re not playing because they don’t have enough players,” Knutson explained.
Despite the large group, the team got along well with each other and was able to share the courts for singles and doubles matches and practices. Knutson’s methods may seem strange to those not familiar with the sport, but he (like his players) tries to experience the fun of the sport which is what it is really all about. Tennis is a “dance of emotions” according to Luca Weiland, between the players and their opponents rather than a grueling and painful experience. It is why so many continue to do tennis into their old age.
