Men’s tennis sophomore sensation, Luca Mack, is a long way from his home in Emmendingen, Germany, yet VSU has become a second home to him.

“I knew this was always a good place,” Mack said. “Tennis wise, [VSU is] always ranked and they always have a good program.”

Mack, a two-sport athlete growing up, chose tennis over soccer due to being unable to play both sports at the same time.

“It was just the joy of tennis,” Mack said. “I mean, it’s just a mental game, and I think is what makes him so special. Yeah, it basically keeps me going.”

In addition to the Blazers’ success on the tennis court, Mack was also drawn to VSU thanks to former tennis player, Christian Hansen.

Hansen, who is also from Germany, played for the Blazers from 2011-2012, leading the Blazers to a national championship during the 2011 season. Hansen was inducted into the VSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

“Through him, I got in contact with my coach,” Mack said. “And yeah, I called him, and we had a good talk.”

Though only a sophomore, Mack has already made a name for himself nationally. He is currently ranked No. 12 in the ITA Singles rankings. Additionally, Mack, along with fellow sophomore Rodrigo Carvalho, are ranked No. 2 in the ITA Doubles rankings.

This past fall, Mack and Carvalho finished as the runner ups in the ITA Cup Championship. Mack also won his flight at the 2021 Gulf South Conference Fall Tennis Championship in singles.

One of Mack’s personal favorite accomplishments was beating the number one player in the nation at regionals, as well as beating the number two player in the country this semester.

Mack is also looking down the line at having even greater accomplishments.

“I think there are maybe other things that I accomplish now and during this time that I’m here,” Mack said.

Written by Austin Bruce, Co-Sports Editor. Photo courtesy of VSU.