Edina's Fullerton Fired Up for Senior Season

Catching up with defending Minnesota boys’ tennis state AA champion Matthew Fullerton

Ever since he was a kid, Matthew Fullerton has felt right at home on the tennis court. 

He’s spent countless hours playing, including a more than four-hour match last season when he won the Minnesota boys’ tennis state AA championship. This year, the Edina senior is soaking up every moment, and is gearing up for what he hopes to be another memorable season. 

We caught up with Fullerton—a regular customer at Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop—to learn what he’s doing to prepare, where he’s headed next and what he’ll miss most about high school tennis. 

How long have you been playing tennis?

I’ve been playing since I was four or five years old, just doing group lessons with other kids. I started taking it seriously around age 13. I actually grew up balancing tennis, basketball and baseball, but decided to stick with just tennis once I was around seventh grade. 

How does it feel to be the defending boys’ state tennis champion, and what do you remember about winning that match last season?

It was relieving, just because the team tournament was a few days before that, and then I jumped right into the individual one. It was a long week for me, so I was very relieved. I definitely got to enjoy it afterward, though, with my family and friends.

How have you been preparing during the offseason to get geared up for your final high school season?

I’ve been playing in tournaments and traveling to different states. I recently had the chance to travel to Florida for a tournament, and some others, too. I’ve also been training with the kids here — nothing too out of the ordinary for me. 

What are your plans for after high school?

I’ll be going to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and I'll be on the tennis team there. I really liked the team and the coach when I visited. Another perk is it’s not too far away, so my parents could visit and come to matches.

What do you think you'll miss most about high school tennis?

I’ll miss the team atmosphere and seeing a lot of friends come to matches. I’ll miss playing at state, and of course I’ll miss the coaches because I’ve known them for so long. 

Favorite memory on the tennis court?

I'd probably say when we won state my sophomore year as a team, just because I'd never experienced anything like that. When I was a kid, I watched the older kids play in state championships, so actually living that moment was pretty special.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Last year, my coach could tell that I was putting a lot of expectations on myself. So he just said not to worry about the expectations or what people have to think about me. Just play and make sure you're having fun with it. 

What type of racket do you play with?

I use the Wilson Blade (16x19).

Any favorite hobbies off the court?

I really like golf. It’s just a hobby that I’ve gotten into this past summer. 

What do you like most about shopping at Michael Lynne’s?

I know most of the people there now, and I've been going there my whole life. They always greet you when you walk in and ask you right away what you need help with. They’re also great about giving you tips on rackets or anything tennis related.