Lance Wilhelm started playing tennis when he was 5, has been playing competitively since he was 11, and he’s been ranked the No. 1 16-and-under player in the Pacific Northwest.
Wilhelm said he likes the fast action and the cardiovascular workout of the sport, as well as traveling to tournaments.
“It’s a fun, aggressive sport,” he said. “It has just grown on me; it really clicked.”
Wilhem has various awards and achievements in tennis, including runner-up in the Class 3A state tournament as a singles player last year. He also earned the state sportsmanship award in 2007.
In addition to practicing three days a week, he works on his physical conditioning.
“What you put into it is what you’ll get out,” he said. “I’ve always put in my hardest, and it’s paid off.”
Wilhelm’s goal has been to play tennis in college. He’s been recruited by the U.S. Air Force Academy, and he hopes to prove himself worthy of the more competitive traveling team.
Wilhelm received a nomination for the academy from both U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Congressman Norm Dicks. Wilhelm said he plans to spend eight years in the Air Force, with hopes of becoming an officer after he graduates from the academy with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. His main interest is aeronautical/astronautical engineering, and he said his dream is to work for an agency like NASA.
“I am fascinated by how things work, and I am fascinated by space,” he said.
Wilhelm said he decided in eighth grade to become an engineer. He attended a bioengineering camp at the University of Washington, which was taught by UW professors. He said that experience broadened his interests, along with advanced-placement science courses at Peninsula High School.
“He sets high standards for himself, and these personal values help make him a person to which people are naturally drawn,” said Tim Winter, Peninsula High School principal.
Wilhelm also participates in several clubs, volunteer work, plus activities such as Knowledge Bowl and The Peninsula Outlook, the student newspaper. His six-person Knowledge Bowl team competed at the state level, and he was part of the Outlook staff (as art editor) that received Best in Show at a national convention.
Wilhelm has maintained a 3.92 grade-point average while taking several AP classes.
“Whether he is chairing a committee or cleaning up after an event, Lance can be counted on to do his best and always have a smile on his face,” Winter said. “Lance is someone for whom teachers, coaches and community members have a great deal of respect.”
Education: Senior, Peninsula High School
GPA: 3.92
Parents: Margaret and Gary Wilhelm
Activities/achievements: Class 3A state tennis tournament runner-up in 2008, state sportsmanship award in 2007, league champion for four years, part of 2007 team state scholastic champions, 2008 district champion; golf; AP classes; National Honor Society; Key Club; Knowledge Bowl state championship; volunteer for SAVE Thrift Store; Relay for Life; PHS boosters auction; campus cleanups and as tutor; UW bioengineering camp; Peninsula Outlook student newspaper.
Favorite teacher: Derek Smith because of his passion for teaching. “I am not fond of English, but his energy inspired me,” Wilhelm said.
Best thing about high school: “The level of classes and competition and the amount of activities that PHS allows me to participate in, such as Knowledge Bowl, Outlook and a variety of fun elective classes.”
Print
E-Mail