An athlete’s worth is not determined only by the number of points they score or how much playing time they get. It’s what they can contribute to the team on and off the court. While Luka Blache is a great athlete, he’salso the embodiment of what a great teammate and student is supposed to be.
“Luka came in in January 2025 and was one of the top players right off the bat at practice… He strengthened the team and pushed the guys to be better,” Head Tennis Coach Matthias “Matt” Rogel said of the promising young freshman.
Blache grew up living and breathing all things tennis in a town called Bourg-lès-Valence, which is in the southern part of France.
“I’ve been playing tennis for as long as I can remember—literally since I could walk,” Blache said. “My dad bought me my first racket when I was born, so the sport has always been a part of my life.”
“My dad is a tennis coach, so I spent most of my childhood on or around the court. Naturally, I was drawn to the sport from a young age,” he continued.
Blache’s enthusiasm and hard work has led him to ABAC’s doorstep, representing the green and gold.
Blache said, “Wearing the ABAC colors is an honor—it’s about representing my teammates, my coach, and the people who believe in me. It also gives me purpose, knowing that every match I play is bigger than just me.”
Blache is a business major, and, while he doesn’t have a set career in mind, he’s focused on making the most out of his experience while being a student athlete in the US. He wants to keep his eyes open to all the opportunities that come from that, whether it’s entrepreneurship, sports management, or something completely unexpected.
Balancing between sports, work, classroom duties, and a social life can be difficult for any student athlete, but Blache makes the best of those challenges.
“The biggest challenge for me is becoming the best version of myself—not just as a tennis player, but also academically and personally. Improving my English, adapting to a new culture, and balancing everything at once is a long-term journey. But I push through by staying focused on my goals and remembering why I’m here.”
While it is never easy being a student athlete, there is always something to learn from the experience. With his first year as a Stallion completed, Blache wanted to give some advice to anyone willing to listen.
“Leaving your country, your family, and your friends at a young age isn’t easy—it’s scary,” he said. “But if you have the chance to play college tennis in the US, take it. You’ll grow so much, learn to be independent, meet people from all around the world, and compete in incredible settings.”
“It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Blache continued. “I’m proud of myself for taking the leap at 18 to chase my dream—and the dream of so many others. Be brave, so you won’t have regrets later.”
The Stallion sat down with Blache to learn more about him:
What are your favorite memories from being a Stallion?
“One of my favorite memories so far was our quarter-final win against UT Southern just a week ago. It was a close 4-3 match, and the energy, teamwork, and emotion from that day made it unforgettable.”
What were you looking forward to this season, and what are you looking forward to next season?
“This season, I was really looking forward to the matches at the end of the semester, especially the championships. It was the time to put into action all the hard work we put in—whether it was on the court or during conditioning sessions with Coach Matt Rogel. For next season, I’m excited to focus more on technical training and keep progressing both individually and as a team.”
What was your goal for this season? What’s your goal for next season, both personal and team-wise?
“My personal goal coming into the season was to earn a spot in the #1 lineup for both singles and doubles and to beat as many top players from other schools as I could. As a team, we wanted to collect as many strong wins as possible. Looking ahead, my biggest goal for next season is to qualify for Nationals—that would be the ultimate reward for everything we’ve been working for.”
What is your favorite movie, TV show, or video game? Why?
“’Prison Break’ is hands down the best series of all time!”
What’s your go-to hype song before a big match?
“I’ve actually got a little playlist ritual with three songs: I start with ‘Zoo’ by Kaaris to get pumped, then I play ‘Chop Suey’—a song my dad used to listen to back when he was a college athlete in the US. It connects me to him and his journey. And finally, I listen to ‘La Marseillaise,’ the French national anthem. It’s a way for me to represent my roots and bring my country with me into every match.”
Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
“Roger Federer. His charisma on and off the court is unmatched. He plays with elegance, class, and intelligence and carries himself in a way that inspires millions, including me.”
Who inspires you and why?
“In sports, I look up to my dad—he’s been my coach and role model since day one. But in everyday life, it’s my mom who inspires me the most. She’s always there, supporting me with strength and love. Together, they give me a great balance: One pushes me to go further, and the other reminds me to stay grounded.”
Any hobbies?
“When I’m not playing tennis, I love playing padel with my friends or rugby with my little brother. It’s always a good time.”
What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
“Focus on what you can control. The rest doesn’t matter.”
Keep an eye out for Blache, Coach Rogel, and the rest of the Stallion Tennis team next year in the Spring.