Sara Perey attends Gilbert Christian High School and is a member of the AIA's  student SID program.

Lucas Berkshire is currently a junior at Gilbert Christian High School. He started off his tennis career in sixth grade, with private lessons, and has been playing ever since. Lucas states, “I learned how to play tennis with the same group of friends that I play with today.” Lucas is ranked #2 on the team and is currently 5-6 in matches, but it is still early in the season with more matches coming soon, so that is likely to change. 

Junior Nolan Engel, who has played tennis with Lucas for three years, comments that Lucas “adds a positive vibe to his team and always makes sure that each and every one of [them] gets better everyday.” Another junior teammate of Lucas’, Luke Hoyle, adds “He is a great addition to the team. He is our team captain and always prays with us before we play our games and after we warm up at practices. He leads us in Christ’s likeness with his character and integrity seen on and off the court.”

When asked what he enjoys most about tennis, he says “it’s simply a great game overall! I love the team camaraderie,” Lucas continues, “along with that comes the feeling of playing a unique sport not many others play.” Lucas explains that “GCHS tennis is an amazing experience, [and their] coach, Mr. Russell, makes it very enjoyable and fun for everyone while still keeping a competitive spirit.” 

The boys tennis team is made up of 13 guys who all “get along extremely well and all continue to grow in [their] faith and tennis abilities as the season progresses.” No matter what, “the team has each other’s backs in everything [they] do, win or lose, [they] do it as a team.” 

Lucas is co-captain with Junior David Russell, who has played with him since 7th grade. Lucas, along with David, “is extremely proud of the guys on the team, [they] have loved watching them grow in Christ and are proud of their accomplishments in the season.”