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Boys Varsity Tennis: Season Outlook
As the St. Luke's Boys Varsity Tennis team gears up for the upcoming season, Head Coach Frank Russo looks forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Russo emphasizes that preseason has been crucial for assessing the team's lineup and establishing doubles pairings.
With the departure of six starters, much of the focus has been on integrating younger players into key positions. "We've been using the preseason to identify our singles and doubles combinations," explains Russo. "It's about getting acquainted with the new faces and finding the right chemistry on the court."
Leading the team this year are Patrick Regan ’24, Sankalp Ojha ’24, and Bryson Baker ’26. Russo looks to them for leadership both on and off the court. "Our captains bring experience and leadership to the team," says Russo. "I expect them to set the tone for our work ethic and sportsmanship throughout the season."
Connor Hahn '26 has caught Russo's attention as a standout player poised to take the top singles spot. "Connor has shown exceptional skill and determination," notes Russo. "He's someone we're counting on to lead by example and anchor our lineup."
Russo is excited about the potential of newcomers Zach Roth ’28 and Luke Riley ’27, who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. "Zach and Luke bring a fresh energy and talent to the court," says Russo. "They'll be instrumental in filling the gaps left by the players who graduated last year."
The overarching goal for the team and individuals is continuous improvement. Russo stresses the importance of technical and tactical growth with each practice and match. "We aim to get better every day," says Russo. "We're focused on honing our skills and developing a competitive edge throughout the season."
Russo wants St. Luke's to adopt an aggressive and high-percentage style of tennis. "We want to dictate play and put pressure on our opponents," explains Russo. "It's about playing smart, attacking tennis while minimizing errors."
The early matches against Wilton and NCHS will provide valuable insights into the team's progress and capabilities. Russo anticipates these contests as important benchmarks for assessing the team's readiness. "These matches will give us a good gauge of where we stand," says Russo. "We're looking to start strong and build momentum from the outset."
With significant turnover from the previous season, Russo acknowledges the challenge of integrating younger players and maintaining cohesion. "Our biggest challenge is ensuring everyone is on the same page and learning from each experience," admits Russo. "It's about embracing the learning process and growing together as a team.”
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
