Co-Captain Kian Burt ’24 is a figure of support, understanding, and composure for Boys Tennis. His calm and composed attitude on the court always leads him to be in control of the game he is in. His experience both on and off the court allows him to give wise and thoughtful advice about the game, as well as in other facets of the school, such as academics..
Burt started playing tennis with his brother recreationally at a young age at courts around the Andover area. However, he started taking the game more seriously in middle school.
“I started playing with my brother when I was younger. As a day student, we would go to the courts nearby. I would just play for fun, but in seventh or eighth grade, I started to compete and got better and better,” said Burt.
Burt described himself as a player who remains composed throughout his matches. He also stressed that he is very deliberate and intentional during practices, acknowledging that everyone is there to get better and improve.
“As a player, I am very calm and composed on the court. I like to stay level-headed and concentrated. You won’t see any outbursts. Every time I step on the court, I am very intentional and focused… During games, we are all playing individual matches, but we are all working together. It is very important that even though it is an individual game, we have a team aspect. As a captain, I bring calm energy to the team; it can be very stressful on match days, like the match at Groton, and having that level-headed energy is perfect for the team.” said Burt.
Burt has become a role model to many of the players in Boys Tennis. Ben Shin ’26 noted that he does a really good job uniting the team for success, as well as being a positive role model for everyone on the team.
“He is a great player. He is really solid overall, great from the baseline. As a captain, he does a really great job of bringing the team together, one that strives for success and winning, which is our main goal. He does a good job pushing and supporting us. He is really funny and kind. He has been a role model since I came into the team as a [Junior]. He has been someone to come to for guidance or needs,” said Shin.
Burt has always been a person that his teammates can talk to for advice. Jeff Shen ’26 mentioned a story during his match against Groton. He noted that it was a tough fifth set, and Burt calmed him down during the tiebreak to eventually sweep Groton.
“In our latest match against Groton, it was a really tough match. It was tied nine all in the third set. During that changeover, Kian mentioned some words and tactics. He said not to worry about the outcome but just to worry about the process. He wanted me to stay aggressive and win. He gave me that fire to motivate me to push through the tiebreak to win. He helped me with that, and we ended up sweeping Groton in a big result.” said Shen.
Burt mentioned that his favorite part of Andover Boys Tennis is the matchdays. He added that he will specifically miss the great environment on the courts during match days.
“My favorite part has to be the matches that we play together. Most of them are three hours long and have that energy as you warm up before the match. Everyone is excited and nervous. The sense of taking on a challenge, win or lose, we will be able to fight for the win. Once you finish your match, you go back to the court to cheer others. It is a great environment, and it is something that I will miss after my time at Andover,” said Burt.
Shen mentioned Burt’s courage, noting that Burt had an injury earlier in the season yet still showed up to practices and did not cut any corners due to his injury.
“Other than empathy and kindness, [he] is [courageous]. At the start of the season, he had an injury and had a concussion, and even despite that, he checked up on us. He would go early, didn’t cut corners, and didn’t use his injury as an excuse, and he was always present and always there for us even through his injury. So, I think a good word for him is courageous,” said Shen.
