Ethan Hoffmann wins. On top of that, the Hartford Union High School senior thrives on the tennis court.
In a sport which is mentally and physically challenging to a high degree, it seems to bring out the best in him.
"I started playing when I was six," said Hoffmann. "I have played pretty much my whole life. It's so fun, my parents taught me everything about it."
All of the hours on the tennis court and all of the tournaments through the years landed him in the record books. Hoffmann won his 100th career high school varsity match on Saturday, May 2 in convincing fashion, 6-0, 6-0 over West Bend East's Sam Loiacono. He's the first tennis player in the history of the program, boys or girls, at Hartford Union High School to reach the milestone.
"I didn't know going into that match," Hoffmann admitted with a laugh, regarding the 100th career victory. "My coach surprised me."
Hoffmann plays #1 singles for the Orioles this season and is a four-year varsity standout on the Hartford Union High School boys tennis team, with an overall record of 101-15, at the time of this writing. He carries an impressive 20-0 match record this season.
Hoffmann went undefeated at third singles his freshman year, contributing to a talented roster which included his older brother.
"Ethan is a delightful young man who is always positive, happy, and incredibly coachable," said Hartford Union High School Boys Tennis Coach Andy Andress in a press release. "What makes him special is the class, humility, and grace that he exudes on and off the court. He is well-grounded and puts tennis in the proper perspective."
Coach Andress credits Hoffmann's success to a relentless work ethic and a strong support system.
Hoffmann told WTKM that his role on the team as the only senior means a lot to him.
"It's interesting, we have a lot of juniors on our team. Being the only senior, I kind of have to be the leader of our team."
Ethan is a three-time Wisconsin High School Tennis State qualifier. He reached the Round of 16 as a #11 seed last season at the state tournament, and says he wants to go back.
"Last year at state, I felt like I could have played more consistent. But there is nothing like it, it's intense and you have all of these people watching you up top. I am trying to get a top eight seed this season. We'll see if I can sneak into the top eight. There are a lot of good players."
Hoffmann plans to continue his tennis career after graduation at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he will study business and join the Warhawks' tennis program next year.
Photo by Hartford Union High School.
