This week’s Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate Boy’s Tennis player Isaac Thomforde. The junior was the only Pirate to pick up a win this past weekend as the Pirates were in Hibbing for a tournament.
This year, Thomforde has played singles and throughout his tennis career he has spent most of his time on the singles court. “I do prefer singles over doubles,” said Thomforde. “I did get a chance to play doubles last year in the section tournament and that went well, but as of now I like sticking to singles.”
Thomforde has been a great player for the Pirates program the past few years, and this year he’s been tasked playing #1 singles, which he has handled well going 4-4 against tough opponents. “Isaac has been doing a lot of things great this year to allow him to play at a high level. His serve has been a huge part of his success, if he continues to work on his serve at practice and get it to where it is automatic, he will continue having a great season,” said Pirates coach Nick Garmen. “His ground strokes have also allowed him to have success, he has great technique and is very coachable. The last thing that has helped him this season is his attitude. He is always positive on the court no matter how he is playing. All of these things have allowed him to play great so far this season.”
Upon graduating from Crookston next spring, Thomforde is hoping to attend Bethel University in the Twin Cities to play tennis and major in Missional Ministries.
First started playing tennis – Freshman year
What is the best part of your game – Serving and Forehand
What part of your game would you like to see improvement on – play at the net
Favorite court to play at – Anywhere indoors
Do you have a favorite match from over the years – Last year I played against a kid at Bemidji, he beat me really bad the first time, but I asked him what I could do to play him better and he told me to go after his backhand. The next time I played him I did, and I ended up losing by just three in the super tiebreaker so that sticks out.
Favorite sports team – Minnesota Vikings
Favorite sport – Tennis
Favorite athlete – Anybody but Nick Garmen
Favorite Movie – The Passion of the Christ
Favorite TV Show – The Chosen
Favorite food – My mom’s potatoes and hamburger gravy
What music are you listening to – Christian Hip Hop
You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can have ANY three people with you – The Holy Trinity
Plans after graduation – As of now I want to go to Bethel University, play tennis and major in Missional Ministries.
Family –
Dad – Jim (American Crystal Sugar)
Mom – Shelly (Teacher at CHS)
Brother – Nathan (American Crystal Sugar Hillsboro)
