HighFIVE: Samantha Garcia Lucero

A talented player and respected leader, Samantha Garcia Lucero is a Colorado gem

Sammie Garcia Lucero was introduced to tennis by her parents a mere three years ago. And what has happened since that time has been the development of a promising young tennis player who embodies positive and admirable qualities both on and off the court.

The 13-year old Denver native started playing tennis at Denver Tennis Park (DTP) as part of their SERVES program. Her talent on the court was quickly recognized, but what stood out even more was Sammie’s embodiment, at such a young age, of DTP’s core values of humility, effort, attitude, respect and teamwork. 

“Sammie is one of the hardest workers and positive players I have ever worked with. She is very responsible and intelligent beyond her years,” says Anastasia Rychagova, one of her coaches at DTP.

That hard work and determination has served Sammie well on the court. She played her first green ball tournament in June 2022 and, within a year, she won the 12 and under title at the Level 6 Meadows Junior Open in Boulder and followed that up with another win at a Colorado Athletic Club Monaco Junior Challenger.

Sammie says “What I like about tennis is that it’s mostly just me, the racquet and the ball. I have to make the right decisions about shots and then keep a tough mindset about what to do next.”

In her first year of 14s, Sammie is currently ranked in the top 25 in Colorado and top 90 in the Intermountain Section. She has had early tournament success with being a finalist at the South Suburban Junior Open as well as at the DTP End of Summer Open. 

“The DTP tournament has been my favorite so far. I was not one of the favorites, but I won my first round and then had to face the top seed. I was nervous, but I felt in my zone and ended up winning that match. I lost in the finals, but it was a great experience to feel how focused I could be,” says Sammie.

While Sammie definitely has the desire to compete and win, she also is continually recognized for her strength of character and willingness to help others. At DTP, Sammie is always the first person in a group to find a new player, introduce herself and ask them to rally. Rychagova says “Sammie is a great leader for our younger kids and her peers. She has proven to be a bright leader with a positive attitude and big heart for helping others rise to their own potential!”

These qualities are part of what led to Sammie being named the recipient of the 2024 USTA Colorado Charlie & Ira Brown Sportsmanship Award, which is presented each year to a Colorado Parks & Recreation program participant who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership and achievement. 

“It meant a lot to me that I was chosen for this award because out of a lot of kids, they picked me. It made me feel special,” says Sammie.

When not playing tennis, the 8^th grader enjoys exploring her creative side through reading and drawing, but tennis is where her true passion and focus lies. Sammie hopes to continue her growth as a high school player next year and beyond that, potentially in college or the pros. “Tennis has taught me that if I work hard, I can be successful on the court and in life,” says Sammie.

Ryghagova further emphasizes this when she says “Sammie sets a great example where if you are committed and work hard every day everything is possible. Future is very bright with this one!”

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