Palisade Senior, Andrew Kirschenmann, is one of the two male Athletes of the Week brought to you by Palisade Dino Mart. Kirschenmann plays tennis and runs long distance track. In tennis, the sport he received Athlete of the Week for, Kirschenmann plays at the No. 1 doubles position. “I have been playing tennis for six years,” said Kirschenmann. “I started playing tennis because of my soccer team in sixth grade. One of my closest friends put me on with tennis and I’ve loved it ever since my first lesson.” Over the years, Kirschenmann has come to love tennis so much, as well as specific skills. “My favorite thing about tennis is hitting an ace. There is no better feeling than throwing the ball up and smacking it, hearing the loud slam as it goes across the court, over the net, and goes in without the opponent being able to touch it.”
Kirschenmann’s greatest accomplishment in tennis wouldn’t be your typical winning a trophy or a ribbon, which he has earned over the years. “My greatest accomplishment has been finding a sport that I love. Before tennis, I never actually understood what it was like to enjoy the sport that you play. I couldn’t be happier with the enjoyment that tennis brings me.” Along with the aspect of tennis itself, Kirschenmann has learned to appreciate the sport with the help from individuals in the community. “My biggest inspiration is my tennis coach from the bubble (an indoor tennis center), Caleb. He is the one who first taught me how to hold a tennis racket and has helped me get to where I am today. He is just such a cool dude who is always smiling and hard at work, whether it is teaching group/private lessons or working to keep the bubble from going out of business.” As a senior and a team captain on a very inexperienced team, Kirschenmann brings a lot of experience. “I am able to help out with form, strategy, and the mental side of tennis.” Kirschenmann’s leadership qualities and skills are a huge contribution to the team. His hard work ethic and diligence is an inspiration to his peers. Congratulations Andrew Kirschenmann on receiving Athlete of the Week!
