In high school, many athletes dream about playing a collegiate sport but often don’t make it to the next level. For Dan Jarboe, a senior on the Grand Valley State University men’s tennis team, he refused to put down his racket and continued
to play on the club team, which has given him the opportunity of a lifetime after moving up to the varsity level earlier this winter.

As a freshman, Jarboe didn’t want to give up his love for tennis just yet, which led him to join the GVSU club tennis team three years ago. A few friends from high school piqued his interest and he thought it would be the perfect compromise, giving him enough time for sports and schoolwork.

Earlier this year, Jarboe was offered a spot on the men’s varsity team due to the team falling short a few players after losing some to injuries and academic ineligibility. At the time, the team only had three healthy players and GVSU’s men’s and women’s tennis head coach John Black looked to Jarboe.

“Great guy, and as a senior coming in there is definitely the leadership there you wouldn’t get from a freshman or sophomore and just the level of responsibility and maturity is great,” Black said. “Besides the tennis, he has added quite a bit to the team as a person, while being supportive and be a leader on and off the court.”

The first steps really began when Black started to look at the club team and asked a few guys on the team to talk to Jarboe about moving up. After a “quick call” to his parents, a series of emails and tryouts, Jarboe was given the exciting news that he was joining the team.

“Dan is a great fit for our team,” said senior Josh Kazdan. “He has definitely has made a positive impact on our team. He supports all of us, works hard and motivates all of us to work hard too.”

Now halfway through the winter semester, Jarboe has been able to transition from club to varsity with ease.

“The transition from the club team to the varsity team was dramatic,” Jarboe said. “The practice and match schedule, quality of play, and overall passion for the game was noticeably increased.”

Compared to his previous seasons on the club team, Jarboe had to get used to playing nine matches, five more than a regular club match, and learn how different the scoring was at the varsity level while with the club team played “no ad” scoring. Once of the biggest game changer for Jarboe was the addition of a coaching staff.

“The addition of a knowledgeable and helpful staff allows for a more complete analysis of one’s game and greater opportunity to improve,” Jarboe said.

Despite joining new teammates halfway through their season, Jarboe has climbed his way up into the lineup and is known for making “forcing opponents to go out and beat him.”

“Despite only being a part of the team for a few months, the players from both the men’s and women’s team have welcomed me into their circle with enthusiasm,” Jarboe said. “I am thrilled to have become friends with these exceptional players and look forward to forming lifelong memories with them all, both on and off the court.”

[email protected]