Thoughtful, considerate, intelligent, creative. All words Lawrence Men’s Tennis Head Coach Eric Schacht ‘90 used to describe senior Andrew Larson, the number one singles and doubles player for Lawrence’s Men’s Tennis Team for the past four years. Only about six percent of all student-athletes continue to play sports at the collegiate level, and even fewer are the “star” player or number one at their school throughout their collegiate career. It obviously took hard work, dedication, and perseverance for Larson to accomplish such a feat, but who really is Andrew Larson, the person and player, and how did he get to this point?
At the age of 10, Larson’s dad introduced him to the sport of tennis, and for the last twelve years, Larson hasn’t stopped playing. Growing up, Larson also played basketball, baseball and volleyball. Recently, he also became Lawrence’s 2024 Intramural Pickleball Champion. As for his tennis journey, Larson recalls a special moment from his high school days.
“Qualifying for state my sophomore year of high school [is my favorite tennis memory],” Larson said.
The following year when he began his college search, Larson knew he wanted to continue playing tennis at the collegiate level and, eventually, he landed on Lawrence University.
“The ability to attend school relatively close to home and [at] a place where I [knew] I could play in the lineup [influenced my decision to go to Lawrence],” Larson said.
Since that decision, Larson has played in the top spot in Lawrence’s lineup, twice earning the Midwest Conference Player of the Week accolades in 2023 and an All-Midwest Conference selection in 2024. However, it won’t only be the awards that Larson will remember from his time competing for Lawrence.
“My best match was last year when I beat Cornell in singles, as I lost to [Alexander Hadler] the previous two years,” Larson said.
This match wasn’t just memorable for Larson but also caught the attention of Schacht.
“Andrew’s win against Cornell’s Alexander Hadler in 2024 was so dominant against a player that was otherwise 18-5 in dual matches at number one,” Schacht said. “This was a huge upset and changed Andrew’s mindset about tough matches — it proved he is good enough to beat anybody.”
So good in fact, that Larson earned a place at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Midwest Regional that fall after a strong finish to the 2024 season.
Following a grueling winter season schedule for the team, Larson travelled to Orlando, Florida over spring break, where the men’s tennis team played five matches, four of which took place at the United States Tennis Association (USTA)’s National Campus. These matches included competition against Division I and top-15 Division II programs as well. Although the match schedule was intense, Larson only had positive takeaways from the trip.
“[Playing at the USTA campus was] awesome, a lifetime memory for sure and it was awesome going with my friends and also having some of my family there as well,” Larson said. “One of the best trips of my life and such a unique opportunity.”
Now, with only three weeks of the season remaining, it’s difficult to imagine a men’s tennis team without Larson, especially off of the court.
“I will miss trips with Andrew so much,” Linda Evans, the assistant coach for men’s and women’s tennis, said. “He is always asking hypothetical questions or bringing up issues from his classes or just life. I love talking with him in the van when we travel. I enjoy his banter with the other players, his recaps of the match for his parents when they aren’t able to attend, and his ability to be playful on trips, but then be all business on the court.”
Schacht echoed some of the same sentiments while also noting a characteristic of Larson’s he wishes every player could replicate.
“Andrew’s positive attitude about having to take on elite players every match in the role of number one singles is something I wish everyone would emulate both on and off the court,” Schacht said. “He sees challenges as opportunities and understands that getting a win in a certain situation might not be a win on the scoreboard but rather having had an experience that will make him better in the long run.”
As Larson prepares to depart Appleton, hopefully his positivity, work ethic, friendliness and tennis prowess will be a long-lasting staple within Lawrence’s tennis program. For Larson, there is one thing in particular he will miss leaving behind in Appleton.
“I like all of the loud cars on College Avenue,” Larson said. “It really inspires me to get a really loud car and drive down the same street over and over.”
On top of this future goal, Larson hopes to stay involved in tennis after graduation.
“I hope to play tennis for as long as my body will allow me to,” Larson said. “I hope to coach my kids if they choose to play tennis. If not, being involved in some high school or college capacity would be a dream.”
Larson has been, and is, a phenomenal tennis player, a high-achieving student, and a great person and friend. The impact he has made at Lawrence is astounding, and Larson will surely continue to make a positive impact in the lives of many others after college.
Oh, and to any Babolat representatives out there reading this, Larson has been loyal to the Babolat brand for many years and would graciously accept any sponsorship deals.