Athlete of the week: Lincoln East’s Hunter Nelson finishes high school career undefeated

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Could you imagine never losing a tennis match in your high school career? Well, for Lincoln East’s Hunter Nelson, he doesn’t have to.

On Friday, the senior captured his fourth state title, completing a perfect record in his four years with the Spartans: 139-0.

“I hit a big ace for the win,” Nelson said.  “I was definitely happy to get through it.”

Nelson defeated Lincoln Southeast’s Owen Brown 6-0, 6-1. Nelson is now just the third tennis player to win all four championships, the first since 1987.

He says throughout his career, he never really put much thought into his perfect streak. He just wanted to get better each day.

“It’s always stressful. I try to take it match by match,” Nelson said. “It’s just the mindset of trying to get better every day really takes the pressure off of you.”

Nelson picked up a racket at a young age, at four years old. What keeps him going on the tennis courts is the mental challenge

“I like that it’s a solo sport, and you’re out there on your own. You have to think all by yourself,” he said. “It’s really mentally challenging, I like that aspect of it.”

As for what’s next, Hunter doesn’t intend to stop playing anytime soon. He has plans to play at the next level after he graduates, and hopes of playing Division 1.

The future is bright for the Lincoln East senior.