Name: Quinn Lippert
Graduation Year: Class of 2026
Sport: Tennis
Instagram handle: quinnlippert6
How are you and the Varsity Tennis Team preparing for the upcoming post-season? Are you training more/less intensely? Are the goals the same as before the season opener?: Well, last year we lost in a heartbreak to Goshen and I think a lot of that had too do with conditioning and the lack of staying focus throughout the whole match, so we are working on staying efficient the whole match and just trying to maintain a high level of tennis throughout the whole match which I believe our team is doing.
What life-lessons can you take away from competing in your sport? How have the ups and downs shaped your mindset?: I believe tennis is just a great game and such a healthy sport since you can’t get injured as bad as the contact sports. Also, I think tennis is the hardest mental sport there is since you’re battling another person on the other side of the court and it’s just great that you go through ups and downs.
What has changed in your outlook of the Varsity Tennis Season in contrast to your freshmen self? Do you see it much more differently? Does Penn’s success mean more/less to you?: I played doubles varsity my freshman year and was super immature and just goofed around but now as I am heading into my Junior year I am really working hard each day and aiming for the goal of winning or making it to a State game. That’s been my main focus since losing in Semi-State my freshman year.
What are your Pre-Game rituals? What do you do to combat the Pre-Game nerves? Do negative thoughts ever negatively influence your performance? How do you try and tame them?: I like to stretch and use bands effectively before I play a match. I just love to breathe and before I play I try to hear 3 things, see 3 things and touch 1 thing before I play. It makes me lose any nerves and I just play a solid calm game that has led me to 13-0 and Evan is 11-0.
Who is a player (at any level) you look up to, and why?: A player I’ve looked up to is Senior Evan Knapp. We have a pretty close friendship and I love watching his game and I like to learn from him since he is a year older and a year more experienced. Also, he’s 2 Singles and I’m 3 Singles so I like having someone better than me I can look up to.
What do you love about representing Penn High School? How much does your passion for the school spur you on when you’re competing?: It’s such a great school and it’s huge. There are 3,400 people who go to Penn and it’s one of the biggest schools in the State. It’s always about how you would want to be remembered here at Penn High-School. I want everyone to remember me and our 2024 Squad. My goal is a title.
What traits do you like in a team leader? Would you consider yourself to possess leadership attributes?: I like a leader that is obviously very good at tennis and also someone that takes care of our team and is a good role model for our team.
What advice would you give to your freshmen self regarding Penn Athletics?: Don’t try to act like the tough guy, I learned that the hard way. Just be yourself, have fun, and most importantly work hard.
Who inspires you the most? In what ways do they inspire you?: Chris Chen inspires me a lot. He is a brilliant tennis player and such a genius in school. He’s the best player on our team. He is so humble and such an encouraging teammate.
What’s your biggest regret in regards to your sporting life? Is there any moments in important matches where you wish you had done more or tried harder?: Every match I have tried very hard.
What do you love most about your sport? What encourages you to keep competing?: Everyone is so nice and I just love tennis. It’s so fun and I’m blessed and honored to be able to play this incredible sport.
If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be, and what would you talk about?: Aaron Rodgers. He’s my favorite football player and I would talk about his favorite memories.
How much influence have your coaches had on your sporting life and overall life?: My coaches are very good and are super wise and smart. I am lucky to have them as my coaches.
