Elise Bierbaum makes an impact
18-year-old Elise who is planning to graduate from Bethel University next Spring has found her calling in life.
By Sofia Tereshchenko, writer
Elise Bierbaum was 7 years old when she began. Jim Anderson, her coach, treated her as his child. Bierbaum eventually took his position. Ethan, her favorite student, who loves to put flowers in her hair, is why Bierbaum has changed her passion.
Bierbaum is an 18-year-old junior at Bethel University, speaks Chinese almost fluently, was named after the song Fur Elise by Beetoven, and always wanted to be a lawyer. Majoring in political science, having a background in shadowing a corporate lawyer. Her goals have changed. Everything that she planned has changed because of tennis.
“I feel that I got a far step ahead,” Bierbaum said.
Bierbaum has been committed to tennis since she was 7. Bierbaum won six state titles, received D1 offers and full-ride scholarships. But these accomplishments didn’t lead to the feeling of joy that Bierbaum gets from her foreign exchange students who are ages 6–8.
“I know that Elise will gain many opportunities through her passion for tennis.” Coach Anderson said.
Bierbaum has taught twins, Harper and Roger, who came from China, eight hours a week, every week this summer.
Her hopes to play D1 tennis weren’t in the books for Bierbaum. Rejecting other opportunities, she decided that Bethel was the best fit. Despite not being able to experience the normal Sunday school, youth group, and Sunday service, Bierbaum found it best for her faith and her tennis career to become part of Bethel.
“I’m really looking forward to my future. I feel like I could surprise myself or younger me would be surprised with what I do.” — Elise Bierbaum
Her jump ahead to do PSEO has made Bierbaum realize she has found her calling in life. To have a chance to teach her kids English and be able to give them a future through the game.
“I’m looking forward to my future. I feel like I could surprise myself or younger me would be surprised with what I do,” Bierbaum said.