(Council Bluffs) — TThe 2024 spring sports activities season is right here, and KMA Sports activities is getting you prepared with a 15-day Names to Know collection highlighting space athletes you want to learn about.
Lewis Central's Christian Jensen had a breakout season on the tennis courtroom final 12 months.
A 12 months older and improved, Jensen is able to present that his junior season was no fluke.
“I'm able to go,” Jensen mentioned. “I've improved from final 12 months so I'm actually wanting ahead to the beginning of the season.
Jensen posted a 5-8 file as a sophomore and made enormous strides his junior 12 months. He went 17-3 at No. 1 singles final 12 months.
“I received higher final 12 months in my second season,” he mentioned. “I've made an enormous leap. I've simply been attempting to work exhausting and play properly. My groundstrokes have gotten lots higher and my serve has gotten higher. I've simply been attempting to maintain enhancing all my strokes.”
Jensen ended up successful the Hawkeye Ten convention match and ending seventh within the Class 1A state match.
“It was an incredible feeling,” Jensen mentioned. “My dad is an assistant coach and it was nice to have him there. It was nice to characterize Lewis Central. It was actually superior. I used to be fortunate to have the junior season that I had.”
Jensen was battle examined throughout the 12 months. He fought fierce battles with Shenandoah's Andrew Lawrence and defeated eventual KMAland Boys Participant of the 12 months Chris Wailes.
“Anytime you play a troublesome opponent, you get higher,” he mentioned. “You get used to difficult your self mentally and bodily. These challenges are a blessing.”
Jensen used the offseason to nice tune his craft.
“I wished to enhance on my backhand,” he mentioned. “That was a weak spot my junior 12 months. I've been engaged on enhancing that. Aside from my backhand, I've been attempting to be extra agile and sooner on the courtroom.”
Given his success final 12 months, it's no shock that Jensen has excessive objectives for his senior season.
“I hope to construct on what I did final 12 months,” he mentioned. “Every time I step on the courtroom, I hope to win and play my greatest.
Click on beneath to hearken to the complete interview with Jensen.
PREVIOUS SPRING 2024 NAMES TO KNOW
Monday March 4th: Chase Jahde, CAM
Tuesday, March 5: Cameron King, Glenwood
Wednesday, March 6: Hannah Wilson, Fremont-Mills
Thursday, March 7: Brehden Eggerss, Harlan
Friday, March 8: Gabe Villamonte, Plattsmouth
Monday, March 11: Cassidy Cunningham, Tri-Heart
Tuesday, March 12: Gabe Funk, Lenox
Wednesday, March 13: Lizzie Schlueter, East Atchison
Thursday, March 14: Andrew Lawrence, Shenandoah
Friday, March 15: Avery Honan, Underwood
Monday March 18: Lili Denton, St. Albert
Tuesday, March 19: Emma Lundy, Nodaway Valley
