Tennis phenom Mach Rechan has made quite a name for himself on the court, despite only being a freshman. He currently holds a 6-1 record in singles and he looks too “improve this record heading into districts next week and hopefully into the state tournament.”

Rechan started playing tennis when he was five and started playing more competitively about five years ago.

“I train year round at Miller Tennis Academy and attend personal training sessions two times per week,” Rechan said. “I also play in many sectional and national level tennis tournaments usually twice a month throughout the year.”

With hard work comes great success. Rechan is currently the number one ranked singles player at CHS and according to head coach Susie Luten he “is highly ranked both nationally and in the Missouri Valley” and quite the team leader.

“He works hard on his game on and off the court,” Luten said. “Mac is not just about his personal success, but is a real team player.”

Rechan has proven himself to be an extremely vital player to the team. Throughout the season he has overcome quite a few disadvantages playing against older players. However, with his rigorous training throughout the year and his will to be the best he has proven himself to be a major threat on the court.

“Coming into the season I wanted to be the number one player,” Rechan said. “So I put myself in a mindset to do just that. I have just been playing my game throughout the year and not trying to do too much to deal with the bigger kids I see during the high school season. The challenge in high school tennis is having to play older and stronger kids that you do not normally see in the age group specific tournaments.”

Even so Rechan takes these challenges in stride, defeating many of his older and stronger opponents.

“Mac is integral to the team in that he adds to the overall strength of our team,” Senior player Sagar Yadama said. “Although he is only a freshman and is sometimes overpowered by senior players, he wins many of his matches.”

It takes drive and confidence to compete with older and perhaps more experienced players. Rechan joined the tennis program with an understanding of what it would take for him to be the number one player. He dedicated himself to fulfilling the characteristics that make a great player.

“I feel quickness, strength, and dedication are necessary traits to become a good tennis player,” Rechan said. “It takes many long days on the court at tournaments and work outside of tournaments and the high school season each day after school.”

According to Luten, Rechan “has a huge game and moves extremely well on the court.” Yadama also commended Rechan’s skills and his understanding of the game.

“Mac is a very consistent and smart player,” Yadama said. “Although he may not hit as hard as other players, he is always able to get the ball back and place it exactly where he wants to on the court which can win more matches than pure speed.”

His rise to the number one seed hasn’t been a walk in the park. Just as in any sport, to excel a player must put in the time and effort to improve.

“You won’t become better unless you go out there and actually work on your game,” Rechan said. “It won’t happen overnight, but eventually the work you put in pays off.”

As for the future, Rechan has set the bar high. Not only does he want to help lead the tennis team to state, but he also would like to continue playing at a Division I college.

“I have high expectations for myself and the team this season and for several seasons to come,” Rechan said. “I hope to win a state team and individual title in the coming years.”

Luten shares Rechan’s enthusiasm for the coming seasons.

“Mac is easy to get along with and I have enjoyed coaching him,” Luten said. “The best part [is] he will be here three more years!”