The Blue
Tribune
The Blue Tribune is your place to learn about all things ÀÇÓѸó and keep up with stories from campus and beyond. By guiding you through the different aspects of ÀÇÓѸó, we'll help you decide if you want to pursue your very own ÀÇÓѸó experience.
In My Words: Tennis Player Lauren Carr '25
To say I am grateful for my time at ÀÇÓѸó is an understatement. These past four years have challenged me, brought me immense joy, and given me friendships that will last a lifetime. A large part of my ÀÇÓѸó experience includes playing on the Women's Tennis team. When I began my college search, I was unsure whether I wanted to continue playing tennis, but after my visit to ÀÇÓѸó, it was clear that this was where I needed to be.
The Comfort of ÀÇÓѸó Community
Intentional is the word I would use to describe the faculty and staff at ÀÇÓѸó, and a large part of why I ended up here. From my admissions counselors to Coach Hirte to my future RA, each put in a lot of time and effort to get to know me and encourage me as I prepared to arrive in the fall. Upon my arrival, I was overwhelmed with the excitement and joy that the students, staff, and faculty had for the school year ahead. While college in and of itself is a big transition, playing a sport on top of that may seem challenging, but if it wasn't for tennis, I am not sure I would still be here. Coach Hirte and my teammates were—from the very first day—kind, caring, and patient as I adjusted to college life.
Growing as a Player through Christ
Playing tennis at ÀÇÓѸó has changed me for the better. In high school, one could describe me as extremely competitive, prideful, and strong-willed. My faith was not evident on the court and I did not view tennis as a means to glorify God. However, today, I can say that I am still competitive and strong-willed on the court, but I also play for more than myself. Coach Hirte has encouraged me and my teammates to always play hard but to also play with an attitude and energy that points each other and our opponents back to the Lord. I have grown exponentially as a tennis player, but even more so as a follower of Christ.
Team Trips
Many of my favorite memories from my time at ÀÇÓѸó involve tennis. Fall practices in the amazing mountain weather, team dinners, spring break trips to Orlando and Texas, and tight matches in which we came out on top are just a few of the favorites I can think of. From tears after tough losses to lots of laughter on long bus rides back