As a team, the Jordan boys tennis squad faced some stiff competition at the Class 4A state tournament, May 15–17. But at least two Beetdiggers were among the favorites to capture individual titles. 

Sophomore JT Buxton and junior Julian Laarman led the way for Jordan this season, racking up wins and qualifying for the state tournament with high seeds. Buxton entered the 4A state tournament as the third-seeded player at first singles, while Laarman was the No. 1-ranked second singles player in 4A. Both players secured first-round byes with Laarman capturing the state title in second singles and Buxton finishing third in first singles.  

Last season, neither player advanced in the state tournament. However, both players came back in 2025 with renewed confidence and resolve to play better. The duo was outstanding during the regular season. Buxton said he has worked hard on the fundamentals of the game and has developed skills that have given him an edge physically and mentally. “My serve and groundstrokes are probably my best physical part of my game,” he said. “My mental game is pretty good with being able to control myself and creating a good game plan on the court.”

Laarman said his serve and forehand are the most effective parts of his game, though he will go into his senior season with the goal of getting better with consistency and staying more focused on the court. Buxton said he “could learn to get some better touch.”

Both Buxton and Laarman are experienced tennis players who got into the sport largely due to family members. Buxton’s father and older brother Charlie got him interested in playing tennis 11 years ago. At age 5, Laarman picked up a racket and started playing at the encouragement of his father. Laarman sees playing tennis as a way to measure improvement. He also loves to go up against opponents, whether in practice or in matches. 

“I like competing because it’s fun to win, and I keep doing it because it’s a good way to track your progress,” Laarman said. 

Though Buxton is also a fierce competitor, he said developing good relationships is what he likes most about playing tennis. During the season, Jordan faced fellow Region 10 foes Cottonwood, Hillcrest, Murray, Park, Stansbury and Tooele, giving Buxton and his teammates ample opportunities to get to know other student-athletes. In addition, Jordan competed in matches against other 4A teams as well as schools from across the state. 

“My favorite thing for me about playing is making friends from matches and getting to know people from tournaments,” he said. 

Buxton and Laarman have been strong players, and their leadership has meant a lot to the Jordan program as well. Head coach Matthew Bell can’t say enough positive things about the duo. 

“JT and Julian are very strong players,” Bell said. “Having them on top sets a great tone for the rest of the team.”

Being a Jordan Beetdigger is something both players are proud of. Buxton and Laarman appreciate their teammates and coaches. They also recognize the encouragement they have gotten from their fellow students and others in the community in general who have watch Jordan’s matches and who have rooted for the Beetdiggers. 

“My favorite part of the Jordan High team is the teammates and friends I have on the team with me,” Buxton said.

“You always have people supporting you, and it won’t get boring,” Laarman added. 

Working hard to overcoming challenges isn’t easy, but the players have seen growth and maturity in their efforts to get better. Buxton said simply spending more time on the court has contributed to his ability to conquer these roadblocks.

“I think that one of the hardest aspects of tennis is overcoming pressure and nerves,” Buxton said. “After playing a lot of matches and tournaments, I have been able to get better with my mental game.”

Laarman acknowledged that not every day on the tennis court is a successful one. The key to success is being able to shrug off a loss or a missed hit and then bounce back for the next round or match. 

“Some days, you just play badly, and it seems that nothing is working,” Laarman said. “But to stay successful even on those days, you need to keep pushing and playing.”

Laarman has just one season remaining as a Jordan Beetdigger, though he is already thinking about what will come next. He doesn’t plan on hanging up his racket after he graduates. Rather, he wants to give the college level of competition a try. Meanwhile, Buxton still has two more years left to hone his skills and contribute to the program’s success. Once he finishes high school, Buxton intends to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his two-year serve, he plans to attend college. λ