As long as he can remember, Dan LaFountaine '09, has been smashing balls on the tennis court. After temporarily quitting tennis at the age of six, LaFountaine returned from retirement at the age of nine. "Not many six-year-olds quit tennis," noted LaFountaine.
A three-sport athlete throughout high school, LaFountaine opted out of the Junior Circuit, a move that most highly competitive players make. It was not until LaFountaine's arrival at Grinnell that he devoted himself fully to tennis.
LaFountaine's two-year record at Grinnell is impressive, to say the least. In his first year at Grinnell, LaFountaine racked up a dominating 25-2 record in singles play. He followed up his first year with a strong sophomore season, finishing singles play with 17 wins and five losses, as well as an appearance in nationals.
This year, LaFountaine hopes to return to nationals and improve on his playing level. "Hopefully, if I get back, I'll know what it's like," said LaFountaine. "I won't be quite as nervous when I get on the court."
Singles play is only half of LaFountaine's tennis life, though. Over the years, LaFountaine has smashed opponents and grown close with his doubles partner, Nathan Fox '09.
"We met each other two days before new student orientation started freshman year at Kelsey's restaurant," said LaFountaine. "We were roommates and doubles partners from the beginning."
LaFountaine and Fox have long posed a threat to opponents, taking home conference first and second place finishes first and second years, respectively. The two have high hopes for this year, looking to advance to nationals as a doubles team for the first time in only their third year of competition together. So far this season, Fox and LaFountaine are undefeated in doubles play, having won all five of their matches.
Beyond the rackets and balls of tennis, LaFountaine and his teammates have created a group morale that borders on brotherhood. "We have some youthful vigor, maybe some ignorance of how Grinnell and athletics relate. Just go out there and be 17 and 18-year-olds and have some silly fun," said LaFountaine. "This year we have more stupid silly fun with the young guys as they learn their way."
LaFountaine's role as a captain, in both creating and maintaining a vibrant team attitude, is invaluable. A strong team player, LaFountaine holds the team's well-being high above his own. "He plays for the team and everyone on it," said Juan Perez Borja '11. "He won't be happy if he practices well, but instead if the whole team does."
Indeed, LaFountaine is a team player. Following with the traditional role of tennis captain, LaFountaine will assisst with the creation of the dangerously mysterious mixed drink 'Erotic Deception'. He remained silent on the drink itself, saying only that "the recipe will remain secret," as the tennis team mandates. And if there's one thing LaFountaine's teammates can count on him for, it's that he'll do whatever it takes to make everything a little bit better for everyone.
