Senior Shine: Chicago

Pierce Butler, Fenwick High School

What will you miss most about high school tennis?

I am going to miss being a part of a team. Even though tennis is an individual sport when you play singles, you have teammates who cheer you on. There isn’t a better feeling than having your teammates cheer you on in a close match.

What are your plans for playing tennis after high school?

I am attending Butler University in Indianapolis. I plan on playing on their club team. I like how tennis is a sport that anyone can play no matter their age. I hope to never stop playing tennis.

What is your strength on the court? Weakness on the court?

On the court I feel like I can match up against anyone’s power. I am consistent and play every ball like it is the last ball. I try to make my opponent hit at least one extra ball if he wants to win the point.

What are you most proud of in your high school tennis career?

I am proud of the fact that I made it to state in singles and doubles. I feel like that means that I can play at a high level in both aspects of the sport.

Who is your favorite tennis player and why?

Roger Federer is my favorite tennis player. He is Swiss and I am also Swiss. I always watch him at the slams and even at the lower level tournaments throughout the year. When he hits the ball, it looks so effortless. He is just a classy person in general and I strive to be like that.

Tommy Crowley, Glenbard West

What is your strength on the court? Weakness on the court?

Strength - Speed and quickness

Weakness - Groundstrokes

What is your go-to shot on court?

Slice backhand

Who is your favorite tennis player?

Federer - can do everything, makes the game looks so easy, one handed backhand technique is flawless

What are your hobbies outside of tennis?

Basketball, video games, hanging with friends

Did you prefer singles or doubles?

Singles - it's all on you, you have full control on the game and can't blame your partner when you're down

Aeneas Hines, Saint Ignatius College Prep

What will you miss most about high school tennis?

I will definitely miss the bonds and memories I created through my three years of high school tennis. I will miss watching my fellow teammates and cheering them on during matches.

What one item do you have to have in your tennis bag no matter what?

I always have a can of tennis balls.

What are you most proud of in your high school tennis career?

Qualifying for the state finals last season. It was always an uphill battle that ended up a match short for my freshman and sophomore seasons, but we finally made it over the top last season and we achieved great success at the state finals.

What is your go-to shot on court?

Forehand down-the-line. I have played doubles every year in my high school career and I have had countless winners down-the-line off of the return. Easily one of the most satisfying shots in the game.

Who is your favorite tennis player?

I have two favorite tennis players. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. I love Federer because he is the GOAT and he has battled through so much injury to continue to play at that extremely high level at an older age. I love Djokovic because he is so exciting to watch and I have noticed parallels from his game in my style of tennis.

Jeremy Zemgulys, Brother Rice High School

Story submission:

Jeremy Zemgulys is a senior this year at Brother Rice and has played Varsity tennis there all four years. He was looking forward to repeating his performance from last year qualifying for state and playing in sectionals. He was hoping to improve upon his match play and go a little farther in State this year, unfortunately, as we all know this was cut short due to the quarantine. Late 2019, he was a consolation Finalist in the Boys 18 Singles in the Homewood Flossmoor Fall Level 4 Tournament November 16-17, 2019.

Jeremy was also a member of the Brother Rice Competition Band, Marching Band, Choir, NHS, Advocacy Club and the Drama Club. He will complete his senior year as an Illinois State Top Scholar and will attend University of Michigan in the fall.