Ang Miller / Photo for Pub
“I enjoy the one on one aspect of tennis because it forces me to work harder, because I can only blame myself if I lose,” Mike Halbherr, junior tennis player, said.
Halbherr’s introduction to tennis was not like what most people would expect but it has made him no less passionate for the sport.
“I started playing tennis as a walk on at Cabrini,” Halbherr said. “My only experience before that was at camps when I was young, and I started playing when my brother suggested I try out when the team needed guys.”
Halbherr really loves closeness of the Cabrini tennis team, offering him close friends and even a feeling of family.
“Playing for Cabrini has been really enjoyable due to the team camaraderie,” Halbherr said. “Being on such a small team has created close bonds between us.”
He even has an actual familial connection to the team
“I have actually been able to play with my brother Joe Halbherr from the class of 2014,” Halbherr said.
As an upperclassman member of the team, it would seem like a major leadership position wold fall to Halbherr. However, with such a small team they work things a little differently.
“The burden of leadership is shared between everyone on the team, we all help each other get better,” Halbherr said.
That doesn’t mean that he does not try and help put his younger teammates as best as he can.
“I just hope to be able to help motivate my teammates as the most senior member of the team,” Halbherr said.
Many athletes have trouble balancing school and sports but Halbherr does not seem to have this problem.
“I’ve always been able to balance school and tennis, but our coach understands if we have to miss practice for school work as we are student athletes,” Halbherr said.
Additionally, his coaches think he’s a great member of the team. Not only is he a dedicated player but he’s also extremely versatile.
“Mike is a solid, focused player who seems to equally enjoy singles and doubles matches and the challenges of a very competitive schedule,” Carol White, the assistant coach said. “One of his greatest assets as a player is his mental toughness, which was evident when he forced a third set in his singles match against first place Gwynedd Mercy University last year.”
Halbherr is an all around exceptional member of the men’s tennis team. His teammates love playing with him and his coaches love working with him but most importantly he’s really enjoys playing for the team.
“He’s a risk taker on the court, forcing his opponents to keep adjusting their positioning and pace,” White said. “His great sense of humor and commitment to Cabrini tennis has made him a team favorite.”
