Fort Zumwalt South sophomore Luke Salisbury has always loved sports.
Growing up he played baseball. But a couple years ago, he lost his taste for the game. That's when he found a new racket – a tennis racket to be specific.
"Freshman year, I just lost interest in baseball," Salisbury said. "I decided I would try tennis. It looked fun to me."
After playing his freshman season at No. 2 doubles, Salisbury has made big jump this spring. He now is playing No. 3 singles for Zumwalt South and is 10-0.
"Luke is very dedicated," Zumwalt South tennis coach Dave Fox said. "He is very mature, and he knows that he has got to work hard to do well, and he does that.
"He's practiced hard to get ready for this season. He works on his own on the weekends, and he practices with the other players on the team. I know that his hard work has gotten him a long way."
For Salisbury, the need to improve his game was apparent. That insight powered a determined offseason work schedule.
"I put a lot of work in over the winter trying to get a lot better for this season," Salisbury said. "I just wanted to go out and improve my game as much as I could. I just know that I have to work hard if I want to get better."
Salisbury's offseason plan included more than working on ground strokes and serves. The sophomore also planned to toughen his mental approach.
"I really think that I am staying more focused out on the court," he said. "It's a big change because the competition I played last year wasn't as good as what I am facing this year. It helps that my backhand is pretty good, and I think I am also a pretty consistent player."
Salisbury pointed to his opening match this season as the ultimate test.
He lost the first set against his opponent from Troy Buchanan but rebounded to win the next two and hasn't lost a single set since.
"There were 30 mile-per-hour winds blowing around," recalled Salisbury. "I felt like that was pretty big because if I didn't win that then I wouldn't be (undefeated), and I feel good about that."
For Fox, Salisbury's greatest attribute – his dogged work ethic – is something that will continue to pay dividends.
"If he keeps working like this, his future is unlimited," Fox said. "I think he can compete for the (No. 3 flight) conference championship this year. Hopefully, he will also help us do well in districts. Next year, I see him as maybe our No. 1 if he continues to work hard."
