As the semester heads toward a close and seniors anticipate college in the fall, they often lose the chance to start something new. Their high school reputations remain the same and the weeks until summer dwindle.

However, senior Luke DeGroot strives to take advantage of his time left in high school. As the manager of the girls’ basketball team for the last three years, and a junior varsity baseball player last year, Luke continued to seek new experiences when he began tennis for the first time.

?Senior year is the last opportunity to be a part of something like this,” DeGroot said. “College sports are way too serious for me. I thought it would be awesome to have as much fun as I possibly can before I finish high school.?

Boys’ tennis was a nonexistent school sport these last few years due to a lack of players. However, multiple seniors chose to form the team this year.

“The biggest incentive for me was that three of my best friends were playing,” DeGroot said. “They really encouraged me this year and the team needed another player, anyway.”

One of his friends, fellow senior Taylor Brouwer, said he appreciates DeGroot’s dedication to the team.

?Luke always attends practice whether we played well the day before or not,? Brouwer said. ?He is committed to the team and he never gives up on improving.

“For example, Luke bought us a boom box called a boom bucket for practice. It helps us play better and pumps us up. That just shows how he tries to encourage us everyday.?

In most school sports, players rely on teammates to help get the job done and win the game. Tennis, however, allows for individuals to take responsibility for their own matches.

?I like tennis because it’s more about personal improvement,” DeGroot said. “It’s low-pressure and fun to learn. The games are smaller and it’s like a man vs. man game rather than a team effort. I’ve never played before, but I can already see my skills improving.?

According to Eric Witters, boy’s tennis coach, he is always looking for more players. Tennis occurs during the off season for many athletes, allowing students to stay in shape and also learn a new sport.

?One of Luke’s many strengths as a first-year player is his desire to succeed,? Witters said. ?He’s determined to get better even though he only has one year to play. A player has to want to get better; it’s not something you can force upon them.”

In addition, Witters cited DeGroot’s punctuality and attitude as assets to the team.

“Luke is always on time and he’s our most caring player as well,” Witters said. “I can always trust that he’s doing the right thing and not messing around, which is a valuable asset to have.?

Many students participate in the same sports throughout their high school careers. But DeGroot encourages students to change up their routine and try something new.

?I wanted to do something to stay active since basketball season was over,” DeGroot said. “Tennis was something new and different from any sport I’ve ever played before. I don’t regret not playing in previous years. I’m just going to make the most of my time now.?