HighFIVE: the Keronens
H5 Episode 39 / Fall 2020 / by Katie Newell
In a year defined by unprecedented challenges, the 2020 Niwot High School Boys Tennis Team earned their rightful place in sports history, bringing home the Class 4A Tennis title to their school and community. That dream came true in large part due to the dedication and tennis expertise of the Keronen family.
Miikka, is a Finland-born all American who attended Azusa Pacific University. He was the USTA Open Player of the year in 2004 and was among the top 10 players in Colorado for many years. A former head pro at Boulder Country Club and Ranch Country Club, he’s been the head coach of Niwot High School tennis teams since 2004, and runs the Keronen International Academy.
Aimee, played tennis at New Mexico and is the assistant coach to the boys team and head coach for the girls team. She is also in her 10th year as a PE teacher.
“Aimee is definitely the most natural athlete between the two of us,” Miikka explains. “She loves to work out and forces me to!” he said jokingly.
Sam, in his senior year, played a critical role as team captain and No. 2 singles. He is in the early stages of planning for life after high school, which he fully expects will include tennis, ideally at the Division I level. He is still formulating his career aspiration and hopes to work in a field related to sports, possibly broadcasting.
Rounding out the Keronen clan are daughters Peyton (18), Brooke (16) and Sophia (15), who all find success both academically and athletically, a testimony to the philosophy their parents share about the connection between athletic and mental performance.
That philosophy is one of the reasons Miikka started the Keronen International Academy, with the mission of helping young people reach their potential both on and off the tennis courts. The academy offers scholarships based not just on tennis ability, but on academic merit, good characters and display of leadership.
Thrilled at the recent title for the Niwot High School tennis team, Miikka and Aimee are looking ahead to a bright future for Niwot tennis and said it’s exciting to see the courts so busy and the programs continually growing.
“It’s about finding the young kids who are excited to get on a court for the first time. We are very strong at the middle school and high school level,” he said.
And while the title was a tremendous boost for the community and school during a difficult year, Miikka said the value of sports goes way beyond a trophy.
“Every sport teaches you how to overcome difficulty, how to travel, how to stay healthy,” he said of why he’s so passionate about introducing young people to sports. “Overcoming challenges while doing something love is powerful.”
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