Seymour High School had another tennis player commit to Franklin College this week.
Senior Madison Pifer signed a letter of intent to play for the Grizzlies on Tuesday, making her the second girls’ tennis player from SHS to commit to he program this spring.
While Pifer has played tennis for the past six years, she didn’t think she would continue to the next level until recently.
“I kind of knew within the past few months that I wanted to play tennis (in college),” Pifer said. “I figured that since I was going to go ahead to Franklin, I was going to play there since everyone gets to play and it’s a good school.
“Everyone there seems really connected. It feels like a small family. Everyone there is really nice.”
Pifer has played doubles at SHS the past four years. She cracked the varsity rotation her junior year.
This season, Pifer’s playing at No. 1 doubles.
Franklin is an NCAA Division III school that plays in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Coached by Rusty Hughes, the Grizzlies went 12-3 last season. They advanced to the championship match of the HCAC Tournament, falling to Hanover 4-1.
While she has an array of shots, Pifer feels that her intangibles will help her in the collegiate game.
“I think my skills of being a good team player, and desire to see everyone succeed, will translate well to college tennis,” she said.
Pifer will prepare with teammate Grace Otte — who also signed to play at Franklin — this summer.
“I’m going to continue practicing the summer,” Pifer said. “I’m probably going to continue taking lessons and help teach little kids.”
The SHS senior thanked her private tennis coach, Brad Emerson, and varsity girls coach Jan Fenton for helping her move on to the next level.
Pifer said she plans on studying psychology and art, and would like to get a job in art therapy after graduating from Franklin.
“I really like they have internships,” Pifer said. “Everyone is required to have one. You have first-hand experience before going into the workforce.”