Michael Lippens Michael Lippens is keeping himself quite busy this summer as he prepares to head off to the University of Louisville in August, where he will continue his tennis career.
Known for his strong work ethic, the Shore Regional High School graduate is spending most of his days working on his conditioning and practicing shots, particularly his backhand, as he gets ready for college. Louisville will play in several tournaments during the fall to prep for the spring campaign.
Lippens, who ended his scholastic career with an even 100 wins, said he selected Louisville over several other schools after visiting the campus and getting to know coach Rex Ecarma. The Redbirds have a competitive program and are coming off an 18-12 season. Lippens, who received a partial scholarship, also considered Ohio State, the University of Florida, UCLA and Kentucky.
“When I visited Louisville, I thought it was a place where I could see myself living and playing tennis for the next four years,” said Lippens. “It’s a good school academically, and the tennis team is very good. We’re going to have a strong freshman class.”
Lippens held down the first singles spot at Shore for all four years. He went 28-1 this spring and won the Monmouth County Tournament for the third straight year; he finished second in the tourney as a freshman. He also reached the final of the NJSIAA singles tournament for the third year in a row, where he lost to Ramapo’s Jonathan Carcione.
The 5-10, 160-pounder was at 99 career wins when he played in the state semifinals against Shane Monroe, St. Augustine’s talented freshman. After dropping the opening set, 0-6, Lippens rallied to win the next two sets, 6-2, 6-1, to take the match and pick up victory number 100. Lippens entered the 2011 season after a 25-0 junior campaign that saw him claim the state singles title by defeating Lenape’s Nikola Kocovic, 37-0, at the time. Lippens won, 6-2, 6-3, and ended his phenomenal season without having lost a set. Coupled with his 28 straight wins this spring, he won 53 successive matches the last two years.
Lippens finished his brilliant scholastic career with a 100-4 overall record.
Never one to be satisfied, Lippens, who began playing at the age of 10, said he constantly strives to improve his game. “I pride myself on working hard, because you can always get better,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always done because I really love playing tennis. Now I want to make sure I’m ready for college. I’m excited about getting down to Louisville, and I’m ready to get going.”