Senior Statement: Austin Shenk

Austin Shenk has been an important player for our tennis team. As a tennis player, Austin plays with a ton of spin and a good level of aggression, which makes him an outstanding doubles player. Over the course of his career, I’ve loved to witness the amount of times he’s driven a forehand down the line or smashed an overhead. In the past several years, he’s developed a great serve that now draws many errors from his opponents or sets Matthew up for some easy smashes.

Austin has also accomplished a lot as a tennis player. He has always been someone who works hard for good form, and really falling in love with the game his freshmen year and putting in a ton of good work since then. He broke into the varsity last year, posting a 13-4 record at #2D with Aaron, and really being one of the best doubles combos we’ve had at that spot. In fact, the 13 wins in his first varsity season ranks him fifth in Bethany history for wins in a first season.

Besides these records, Austin is a great team leader. While he has great skill, you would never hear him bragging about it. He is someone we all can learn from, but he does it humbly. Oh, he’ll yell out when he puts a smash down, but after matches he’s quick to praise his partner or his other teammates for their accomplishments as well. During practice or during the offseason, he’ll put in the most effort, but without drawing attention to himself. He leads in a way that makes space and celebrates others.

And I feel that is part of what makes Austin so special. He will be diligent, but does so with humility and curiosity about others. He longs to hear what others think, he evaluates their wisdom, and he learns and grows from it. There is a goodness about him, that is a fruit of the Spirit that I see in him. He has an inner virtue and morality that causes him to be graceful and thankful to others. His goodness and humble leadership will be something the team will miss as he moves on.

Verse: 1 Peter 5:6-7
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.