Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Keri Rothenberg, New Trier tennis

Keri Rothenberg just wrapped up her senior season with the Trevians. She is a four-time state qualifier in the doubles division and has won the last two IHSA 2A championships with partner Ariane Lesterhuis.

1. Do you have any prematch rituals or superstitions?

I am a very superstitious person but a lot of those are on the court. Before matches, I stretch to loosen up my body and listen to music to calm down, but I try not to look at my phone too much because it’s bad for your eyes and in tennis you have to focus on the ball. I try to stay off my phone and focus on the match and not get too in my head.

2. What are you excited for most about next year?

I am excited to continue my tennis career. (Rothenberg will soon announce her collegiate decision.) I have been playing since I was a little kid, and I am really excited that it is not over now and I have another four years ahead of me, and it will be a team sport again, which is something, besides high school season, I don’t see a lot. … It’s still pressure, but less individual pressure and more about doing well for your team, which I like more.

3. When did you know you wanted to pursue tennis?

My sister (Rachel) played for her entire life. She is five years older than me and I kind of got into tennis because of her and was inspired. She decided not to play in tennis in college, but because she is older than me, I was always playing when she was playing and I kind of just wanted to be like her.

4. Why do you like doubles?

I love doubles. I like having another person there for support. I think it’s easier to be positive when you have another person there trying to uplift with you and it’s less stress for me. I also love to be up at the net and be active. In doubles, you are stationed up there to start; in singles, you have to work yourself up there, which is a lot more difficult.

5. Who is your favorite tennis player to watch?

I really like to watch Coco Gauff because how young she was when she started playing on the pro tour. And I think it’s really inspirational and amazing how she’s been able to accomplish so many things at a young age.

6. If you could try another sport, what would it be?

I’d say lacrosse just because a ton of my friends do it and they all love it. It seems really fun.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

I love to hang out with my friends. I don’t have too much free time because of how much of a commitment tennis is, but when I do have free time I just love to see my friends and I also have friends back in New Jersey. I moved here right before high school and I’ve stayed really close with those friends in New Jersey. I go visit them when I can.

8. If you are in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Maybe some caramel M&M’s or one of my other favorite candies. I like sour gummy worms. I don’t know what else, probably just candy.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

My close friends probably know this but I am obsessed with cats. I have three of them (Stella, Jamo and Belle) and they are like my entire world. I love them so much, and I want to have cats when I am older too.

10. What has New Trier tennis meant to you?

It has meant the world to me. I think it has been the absolute best four years, making amazing memories. We have so many amazing coaches, so I have gotten to learn and better myself as a person from each and every one of them. It’s just been an amazing experience. Tennis is a very individual sport outside of season, but it’s been really nice to play for something more than myself and play for a team.

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