Avery Schwipps had two older brothers who played tennis at Trinity Lutheran High School, and their father, Steve, played tennis at Milan when he was in high school there.

Avery has continued the family tradition by playing tennis for the Cougars.

“My older brothers played tennis and basketball (at Trinity) and were kind of well-known, I suppose, throughout the school, and I figured I’d give it my own shot,” Schwipps said. “My dad was known for his sports.”

He said he has liked his time on the courts.

“My overall experience has been pretty positive,” he said. “It’s a good group of guys, excellent coaching and I’m having fun out here.”

Schwipps is in his second season playing tennis at Trinity. He also has participated in football and track at Trinity.

For his senior year, though, he said he plans to only concentrate on tennis.

“This year, I think I’m going to stick with tennis and focus more on my academics,” he said. “I stopped playing football. I wasn’t enjoying it quite as much as I used to. My good friend, Matt (Stuckwisch), said, ‘Avery, come try tennis with me,’ and I said, ‘I’ll do it.’”

Schwipps said during his junior year, he played at the junior varsity level, mostly in doubles, although he did play a few singles matches.

This fall, Schwipps has played both No. 1 and No. 2 doubles with different partners.

Schwipps, who is left-handed, said he enjoys playing all over the court.

“It’s just kind of random,” he said. “Wherever the ball is and wherever I need to be, I do whatever works. Most of the opponents tend to be right-handed, so I hit it cross-court and try to get them to use their backhand and make them make the mistake.”

Schwipps said playing JV matches last year definitely helped him prepare for varsity this fall.

In doubles, Schwipps sees the importance of communication.

“Communication is very important,” he said. “There are times where you both think you can get it, and you’re going to smack rackets or run into each other and lose a point. You have to keep a good attitude. I know some guys personally, if they’re losing, they get too angry and mad at something, and that just messes with their game.

“You definitely want to keep a positive attitude. I know winning is important, but just having fun is important. If you’ve lost the point, move on and win the next one.”

On the academic side, Schwipps said he has liked attending Trinity.

“It’s a bit smaller, but it being small is a good thing,” he said. “Everybody knows your name. In just one passing period, you see everyone in the entire school. The teachers are ready and willing to work one-on-one with you. In the big schools, the teachers don’t have the time to work one-on-one with you like they do here. I’m glad I made the choice to come here.”

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Name: Avery Schwipps

School: Trinity Lutheran

Parents: Steve and Michelle

Siblings: Steven, Travis and Olivia

Sports: Tennis, two years; football, two years; track and field, one year

Athletic highlights: Most improved award for tennis

Organizations: Band, Student Ambassadors, Euchre Club, robotics, Trinity events team

Plans after high school: Attend college

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles

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