George Ebert from Sturgis is on the verge of a significant life transition. With graduation approaching in the spring, he is set to embark on a new journey at the college level, where his academic and tennis pursuits will reach new heights.

"Sturgis Senior's Journey to College and Beyond in Tennis and Academics"

Tennis and College Life

Ebert has made the decision to continue his tennis career at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This new chapter will bring with it a whole different lifestyle. He understands that he will be on his own, but he sees it as an opportunity that will ultimately benefit him in the long run. "It's going to be a whole different lifestyle for me. I'll be on my own but it will be a part of my life that eventually helps me out in the long run," Ebert said.At the college level, which is NAIA, there are six singles and three doubles flights. Players often compete in both doubles and singles. Ebert's skills and abilities have been recognized, as he was named First Team All-State by the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association this season and won a Wolverine Conference title at first singles. "He has all the tools, a great mental and tactical game," said Sturgis head coach George Earl. "The program, and myself, are obviously very excited to see what he can do."

Balancing Academics and Tennis

In addition to tennis, Ebert is also focused on his academic studies. He plans to study marketing at the college level and is currently taking tough classes in his senior year. He aims to raise his 3.97 GPA over the 4.0 mark with AP classes. "It's a lot on me now, but I've made mistakes and learned to set my priorities right. If you don't waste your time and set your time right, you can handle anything," he said.Ebert is no stranger to pressure. He is the son of Sturgis Superintendent Art Ebert and a key member of the Trojan marching band. Having a strong mental game plays a crucial role in his life, both on and off the tennis court. "I love tennis, it's such a mental sport and it plays such a big role in your life. If you're good mentally at tennis, it helps you mentally in life, I think," he said.

Multi-Faceted Student-Athlete

This past fall, Ebert not only played tennis but also ran cross country. In the marching band, he plays the clarinet, a skill he learned from his mother. "My mom is a really good clarinet player and when I was a kid I was a little momma's boy, so I had to do that," he said with a laugh. "I've carried it with me ever since sixth grade. I love being in the marching band. It's sometimes tiring, but the cool thing is it everyone puts their best into it, it's a really cool experience."Clearly, Ebert has excellent time management skills. He knows how to balance his various activities and commitments. While it may be challenging, he is confident that he can handle it. "It's your time and you can't waste your time. You need to set your priorities right," he said.Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at bwatson@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @BwatsonSJ.