For senior and three-year State tennis competitor Matt Dunn, this tennis season doesn’t end after high school.  Instead, his season is year-round as he continues to work on the focus and determination needed to succeed in college level tennis at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

“I’m just gonna keep doing what I’m doing, keep working hard, working every day, try to get better, focus more, work harder and hopefully good things will happen,” Dunn said. “Just try and go in there and be open minded and be the best player I can be and try and help the team.”

Matt has signed with the University of Nebraska Omaha, a Division I college. Matt had been to tournaments in Omaha before, and eventually the Nebraska tennis coach noticed his skills. Soon after that, the coach began talking to Matt about a future playing tennis for Omaha. Matt was excited about this opportunity to continue the sport he loves. A little while later, Matt was signed. His teammates are excited for him for signing with Omaha, including junior Will Stephens.

“I was happy for him, it takes a lot of dedication to meet that goal and I know how much it means to him,” Stephens said. “I’m really happy for him.”

Matt earned his athletic scholarship through year-round training. He will continue to train at Miller Tennis Academy every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours to make sure he doesn’t lose his competitive edge for college tennis. Matt works on upper body, leg strengthening or ladder work and cardio exercises. He hopes to continue getting stronger in order to improve his tennis skills so he can make an impact on his college team.

“I just hope that Matt enjoys his college experience, sticks with the program, plays all four years, has some opportunities to play some major tournaments and play some big time college tennis matches,” Head Coach Kate Kleiber said. “How far he goes beyond that is up to him, whatever you dream is your dream.”

Teammate and senior Nick Murphy expects Matt to perform well enough to win the State tennis competition and continue his excellence throughout college. The two have played tennis together since freshman year and they often practice together.

“I am excited for Matt because I believe he’ll make it to state and win because he’s that good,” Murphy said. “I think he will win all his games and bring our team to victory because that’s what he does.”