Athlete Spotlight: Karter Hatzenbuhler

MANDAN – Karter Hatzenbuhler was thrown into the proverbial fire on the tennis court as an eighth grader.
Playing the No. 1 spot in a Braves program that was lean on talent and experience, Karter was competing against players much better and much older than him.
He admittedly struggled with the pressure to be better than he was and tried to hold himself to unrealistic standards.
In time, he learned the value of mental toughness and having a positive mindset.
And that lesson along with a refined game and years of experience has vaulted him into a short list of the best players in the state.
The all-conference player is on a trajectory for a West Region singles title, which was just a win away last season. He’s been dominant in his matches so far and is a centerpiece of a good Braves’ lineup.
“Our team has a lot of talent and a lot of guys that are willing to put in the that extra effort to be the absolute best we can,’’ he said. “Coach Christen has us right down personal and team goals at the start of the season and I think most of us has the same or very similar goals for our team.”

Christen has seen the changes in Karter’s game. During his first few seasons his main weapon was his consistency and defense. And now he is able to control points by being on offense and force his opponents into errors.

The experience he’s gained from hundreds of matches has taught him that adapting quickly on the court is key to success.
Styles of play vary and being able to recognize that, and just as importantly, know what tactics are needed against an opponent, is another strength for Hatzenbuhler.
So to is his backhand where he can drive to different spots on the court or place spin at a big angle to push his opponents off the court.

Karter first began playing at age eight, attending summer lessons. 
“Originally, tennis was meant to just be something to keep me busy in the summer,’’ he said.

It evolved into much more. As a seventh grader Karter was already getting his taste of varsity play.

“I really enjoyed that tennis was a sport that could be individual, but also required you to be part of a team,’’ he said. “Everyone has a different style of play and there is always so much more to learn and implement into your own skills.”

Like all dedicated players, Hatzenbuhler is often on the tennis court. “A goal of mind is to have a racquet in my hand as often as I can,’’ he said.
Taking individual lessons, playing in leagues and summer tournaments and just friendly matches with friends and teammates, assures he will!

In addition to his strong singles play, his big frame and long reach has been effective in doubles. “Being comfortable and aggressive at the net is something that doubles definitely teaches you a bit more than singles (play) does,’’ he said. 
And doubles forces players at the baseline to hit cross-court shots and away from the opposing player at the net. That combination of good net play and placing balls in different locations lead to being an all-around player.

Christen said Karter’s confidence has improved and the standout believes he can win any match.

While Hatzenbuhler’s on-court success speaks loudly for the Braves’ program, his importance doesn’t end there. 
He has taken it upon himself the past few years to get his teammates out playing in the offseason. “He isn’t our most outspoken player, but the guys definitely look up to him as a great example of how a Brave tennis play should act on and off the court,’’ Christen said.
the importance of leadership was instilled in Karter while he was a young player.
 “I remember when I was first starting out in middle school, I looked up to the top players a lot,’’he recalls. They were role models for me and inspired me to keep playing and working. That’s something I want to be for the younger kids and the next generation of Mandan Braves tennis players.”
Tennis likely will play a role in Karter’s life once he finishes at Mandan. Not surprising he already has his sights on academic pursuits after high school. 
“I am not yet sure where, but I am looking forward to going to college and getting a degree in biochemistry or a related field.”
If the opportunity comes up, playing tennis at the collegiate level is something he would love to pursue as well.
He knows the next level of tennis will require more challenges. Christen said a strong serve game is essential at the college level and the ability to move the serve around the serving box. And also be more assertive at the net in doubles play.

For now, however, there are still a few weeks of his final high school season and some big individual and team goals to set aim on.