GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- As the fall sports season gets underway, Union High School’s boys tennis team is preparing to build on a legacy of strong performance—both on the court and in the classroom. Following a strong season of tennis competition, the Redhawks are also coming off a fifth-place finish on the All-State Academic list among over 300 Division I tennis programs, and they are setting their sights even higher this year.
High Goals and High Standards
Union Tennis has consistently proven itself as a program rooted in excellence, both on and off the court.
“We made All-State Academic last year. Last year we took fifth place, so I’d love to see us in the top three this year,” Head Coach Bill Schaefer shared during Union Media Day. “I also had two players for two years in a row who earned a 4.0. They earned All-State Academic tennis awards for Division I.”
As for the actual tennis, Schaefer is optimistic about the team’s trajectory. “We should have two players make all-conference this year, two players make regionals, and one player should make it to the state tournament,” he said.
Schaefer also noted the team’s consistency: “Every year for tennis, we also have a winning record.”
The Union Difference
For Coach Schaefer, it’s about more than just the wins—it's about the culture and commitment of the scholar-athletes.
“I coach at Union because we have kids from multiple feeder schools who come in, and they all want to be here,” shared Schaefer. “Kids want to play for us. It’s fun for me because I’m teaching technique, and I can see the results. Like I said, the kids want to be here and learn. They want to play for Union.”
That motivation extends into the Redhawks’ training too.
“We do so well because we employ a tactical tennis system,” Schaefer explained. “We work on serves, angles, etc. to make sure we’re using the whole body and improving power.”
Showcasing Talent at Home
The team also takes pride in giving others the opportunity to compete and grow in the sport.
“We host the Union Invite, and we do two each year,” Schaefer said. “We have so many schools who call us and want to join these tournaments. With us, so many kids get an opportunity to win a medal, and that’s important to them.”
Senior Leadership on the Court
Senior Anish Kulkarni, who holds the team’s first singles position, has his sights set on reaching the state tournament in his final season.
“I want to make it to the state tournament this year, and I’m committed to doing that. I also want to continue having a winning record, since I’ve had that through all of high school so far,” said Kulkarni.
Kulkarni’s top position wasn’t given—it was earned.
“I put in a lot of time on and off the court. I come early to practice, and I stay late. I also go to the gym and work out, and I play tennis outside of when we’re in season as well. In order to get to the higher position, you have to put time in and do the work on and off the court. If you do that, you can succeed.”
When it comes to staying focused in close matches, Kulkarni leans on his fundamentals. “A couple strategies I have is to stick to my basics, stick to my roots. I try to not let the opponent get in my head. If I do my best, I know I can do enough to win.”
With strong senior leadership and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the court, Union boys tennis is ready to serve up another impressive season.
