Stepping into a college lineup is one thing. Competing at No. 1 doubles alongside one of the program’s most experienced players, junior Theo Billson, is something else entirely.

That’s where freshman Carter Michaels has found himself early in his career with UW-Whitewater men’s tennis.

For Michaels, the adjustment hasn’t been easy, but it’s been fast.

“The transition from high school to college has been a fun experience, but it’s been a lot to take in,” Michaels said. “It’s a lot more fast paced than high school, but I honestly like it better this way.”

That pace shows up right away in matches, where points move quicker and opponents are more consistent. It’s something many freshmen struggle with, especially early in the season. For Michaels, the learning curve has been just as mental as physical.

“The part of my game that has improved the most since joining the team is my mentality,” he said. “It’s always a battle out there. Not only when you are playing your opponent, but against yourself too.”

Playing on the No. 1 doubles team has only accelerated that growth. Paired with Billson, one of the top players in Division III, Michaels has been thrown into high-level matches right away.

“Playing doubles with Theo has been a good learning experience for me because he is able to help me become a better doubles player from all of his experience,” Michaels said.

The UW-Whitewater Warhawks men’s tennis doubles team freshman Carter Michaels and senior Parker Sprague celebrate after winning their doubles match at the Warhawk Fall Invite, Sep. 5. 2025 at the Warhawk Outdoor Tennis Complex.
(Charlie Clark)

From Billson’s perspective, the talent was obvious right away.

“The first thing that stood out to me playing with Carter was his athleticism,” Billson said. “Whenever our opponents drag us off the court, somehow Carter is already there before I can even start to move.”

As the season has gone on, that raw ability has started to translate into results. According to head coach Byron Balkin, the pairing has already shown flashes of what it can become.

“They’ve had some really good results as of late,” Balkin said. “This last weekend they went 2-0 against two really good teams,” referring to their meet on February 28 in Lake Geneva.

Billson also talked about what we don’t see: the chemistry that they’ve built.

“Our chemistry has really come together over the last couple of matches,” Billson said. “We are starting to realize each other’s strengths and weaknesses and fill those gaps.  We’re starting to play as one unit now.”

That chemistry is important at the top of the lineup, where small mistakes can change entire matches. It’s also where Billson’s experience has played a major role.

“I have the experience of playing against top doubles players in D3,” Billson said. “That’s something I’ve tried to hammer home with Carter. That on any day, anyone can win at doubles.”

For Michaels, one of the biggest takeaways from that partnership has been how to handle those moments.

“What I’ve learned the most is not letting the small things get to you,” he said. “You have to be ready for the next point right away.”

Balkin believes that combination of skill and mindset is what makes Michaels stand out this early in his career.

“He has a lot of natural ability. His technique on both sides is really good,” Balkin said. “But what also impresses me is his willingness to put it on the line and compete.”

Even with that, the role hasn’t been light. Michaels has also contributed in singles, balancing a full workload as a freshman.

“He’s playing one doubles and four singles… that’s a good load,” Balkin said. “And he’s handling those moments really well.”

Looking ahead, both Balkin and Billson see even more room to grow for Michaels.

“I think once he’s played those matches against the top doubles teams in the country, he could be something special,” Billson said.

For now, Michaels is focused on continuing to grow not just in doubles, but across the lineup.

“One of my main goals this season is to be a reliable win for the team,” he said. “Not only in doubles but in singles too.”

It’s a simple goal, but for a freshman already competing at the top of the lineup, it says a lot about where Michaels sees his game heading, and where it could take the Warhawks moving forward.