Tennis

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mr. Ed Hippert
Assistant Coach: Mr. Gerry Hippert
Tennis@stjohnshigh.org

Ed Hippert is the head coach of the Saint John's Varsity Tennis team. He has spent his entire professional career as an educator (teacher, administrator, counselor) and as a coach at both the high school and college levels. Coach Hippert is a graduate of Saint John's and Assumption College, where he was an All-American basketball player. He has been enshrined in five different halls of fame as a player and coach. He can be reached at (508) 885-9962 with questions about the program.

Gerry Hippert has been the assistant coach for many year now. He, too, has been an educator (teacher and administrator) and a top basketball and football official for many years. Gerry also graduated from Saint John's and Worcester State College and can be reached at (508) 892-4527.


Season
Spring

Tennis at Saint John's over the past 30 years has been an exemplary program. Each year skilled players have provided the impetus to achieving outstanding seasons against some of the finest competition in the state. St. John's reaches out each season to play the best teams from Central Massachusetts and also the top teams from the western and eastern sections of the state.

Saint John's has won four state championships and numerous district titles over the years. Also, the program has produced many individual singles and doubles champions both at the district and state levels.

Each spring, approximately 35 players try out for the 18 spots on the St. John's Tennis Team. After these days of workouts, the squad is selected based on ability, competitive spirit, and coachability. All four classes are represented in order to ensure a constancy over the years.

Practice sessions are held every afternoon from 2:45 to 5:00. Players are expected to be at practice on time each day unless they are participating in a help session or another academic endeavor. Weekend practices are limited to as-needed occasions.

The season consists of both Varsity and  J.V. matches. Every member of the squad will participate in matches at one level or the other.

Young players have a wonderful opportunity to improve their games not only because of instructions and daily drills but also because of the constant competition with other excellent players. Challenge matches are often held to determine spots on the team ladder.

During the summer of 2010, construction began on a new tennis complex at St. John's. The Pioneers playing on five new Deco-Turf courts located in a pristine setting just behind the old courts. Many excellent touches were added to allow our players the best opportunity to demonstrate their skills and enjoy tennis to the fullest extent.