Interests

Tennis · 2006–2011

Two Newells, one court

My twin brother Ben and I grew up in Topeka, Kansas, and tennis has been our shared language for as long as I can remember. We won together in high school, and then we did it again in college.

Washburn Rural Jr. Blues

At Washburn Rural High School, Ben and I won the 2006 Kansas 6A state title in Men’s Doubles, the highest classification in the state. It’s where I learned to compete one point at a time, and that trusting your partner completely changes what’s possible.

Rockhurst University Hawks

We carried that partnership to Rockhurst University and played four years of NCAA Division II tennis together. Our senior season in 2011 turned into one of the best in the program’s history:

• GLVC Champions. Rockhurst won the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament with a 5–3 comeback over Southern Indiana. Ben clinched the match at No. 1 singles, I won at No. 4 singles, and together we took a crucial win at No. 1 doubles.
• First trip to nationals. The title earned the Hawks an automatic berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament, and a win over Northwood sent us to the National Championships in Altamonte Springs, Florida, for the first time.
• Elite Eight. In Florida we beat Nebraska-Kearney again in the Round of 16 to reach the national quarterfinals, capping one of the best seasons in program history.
• Top doubles team. Ben and I were Rockhurst’s No. 1 doubles tandem, going 21–3, with Ben at No. 1 singles and me in the lower singles flights.

Team ranked 35th nationally with a 22–4 record, we made a historic run to the Elite Eight, and I got to do it next to my brother.