Local athlete continues love of tennis
COSHOCTON – Ryan Shutt, a 2010 graduate of Coshocton High School, has been actively involved in tennis since third grade when he started attending the Dennision University Nike Tennis Camp.
“It started to be a sport I loved,” said Shutt. “I loved the aspect of being an individual athlete on the court. I like that it has a team aspect but you’re still out there competing as an individual. You’re competing for yourself, but also competing for a team.”
Shutt continued his love of the sport and played tennis in high school, and won several awards during his high school career. He played first team his freshman and sophomore year and was Player of the Year his senior year. The awards continued when he attended Otterbein University where Shutt earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference honors for three seasons.
One of his proudest accomplishments while at Otterbein was when he was named to first team. Shutt said only seven people are selected for first team, and there are more than 100 players in the conference. Each team consists of 10 – 15 players.
“It was the most recognition I have received,” said Shutt. “It was an honor to be selected for it.”
Although he has graduated college, Shutt continues to be involved in tennis. He plans to join an adult league soon and has been working at the New Albany Tennis Center for two years. He is also the assistant director at the Nike Tennis Camp at Dennison University. He would like to be a volunteer assistant coach at Otterbein in the near future.
“I would like to thank my parents because they’ve been the ones driving me to lessons,” said Shutt. “Dad would also hit with me when I was little. I would also like to thank Peter Burling at Dennison. He was my primary teacher growing up.”
“It’s just been a great experience,” said Amy Shutt, Ryan’s mother. “He’s met some nice friends and it’s been awesome. His Dad and I are very proud.”
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
