Sports - May 2003

Pfeiffer-bound

Lincolnton High three-sport star Andrea Stroup to play college tennis

By JOHN MARK BROOKS, LTN Staff Writer

Lincolnton High School’s Andrea Stroup signed with Pfeiffer University’s tennis program on Thursday.

Stroup played as the No. 1 seed in singles and doubles her junior and senior year producing a 43-17 record. She made all-conference both years, and was runner-up player of the year as a senior. She also finished 33rd in the state in the 18 and under division in tennis.

Chris Hoffman coached Andrea both years and feels good about her future.

“As everyone knows Andrea is a good all-around athlete and she will be successful as a full-time tennis player,” he said.

On the court, she recorded over 1,000 points in her basketball career.

When she wasn’t playing her primary sports, she contributed to the softball team with a batting average of .348.

However, athletics are not her or her parents’ lone focus.

“We stress academics as well as athletics,” said father Greg and mother Patsy Stroup.

Stroup excelled in the classroom, compiling a 4.4 GPA and placing in the top 10 of her senior class.

The combination of being a three-sport athlete and a standout student led to her being named the Wendy’s Heisman recipient from Lincolnton High School. In addition to that award, she also received a Charlotte Observer Scholar’s nomination.

Coach Mary Sunbury, Pfeiffer’s tennis coach, was one of the big reasons Andrea chose to sign with them.

“We really liked Sunbury — he is really enthusiastic about tennis and about academics,” said Greg Stroup.

The tennis facilities and the Pfeiffer team garnering all-academic honors also were factors in her signing.

Stroup knows that there is a lot lying ahead of her.

“I’m looking forward to it — it’s going to be a challenge. I’m taking my game to the next level so I’ll have to work hard so I’ll get to play next year,” she said.

Although she’s looking forward to the next phase of her life, there are things she will miss.

“I’ll miss all the coaches and playing all the sports, especially basketball games the most,” she said.

“I will also miss all the friends I have made through sports,” she added.

Stroup achieved a lifetime goal with Thursday’s signing.

“It’s a real exciting day for me. This is something I have always wanted to do since I was little (play a college sport),” she said.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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