Cooper Lacetera has had one of the most prolific tennis careers in Westhampon Beach history, accumulating four all county seasons, three all state seasons, and the Carl Hansen award, all while maintaining a high GPA.  He has been at the top of ladder serving as first singles for his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, which is very impressive. He has also played first doubles where had his most successful outcome placing fifth in the state with his partner J.D. Sipala.

Cooper was an exceptional tennis player and athlete since the beginning. He quit soccer in middle school to solely focus on tennis, which paid off. He was brought up to junior varsity in seventh grade where he played second singles. After a successful season, Cooper was brought up to varsity as an eighth grader. Because of this, Cooper had to beat out upperclassmen players to secure a spot at third singles. Since then Cooper has created one of the most successful tennis careers in school history, tied only with a close friend and ’07 graduate Dillon Pottish, who, like Cooper, was an all-state player and continued playing at the collegiate level.

Ever since Cooper could remember, he has had a tennis racket in his hand or was being influenced by something tennis related. This is because his father is his coach and trainer. They have a tennis court right next to their house, which assists greatly in Cooper’s training. Cooper trains almost every single day, whether it’s hitting, lifting, and/or speed work for about an hour or two. His older sister was also a varsity tennis player and his mom plays recreationally.

Mr. Ski, a math teacher and the varsity girls’ and boys’ tennis coach, gives great insight on Cooper. “Cooper was a pleasure to have on the team. He is an amazing athlete who never takes a day off. He is the definition of leading by example. I never had to worry about Cooper’s health or work ethic as he’s training year round.”

Matt Higgins, a teammate of Cooper’s and good friend, said, “Watching Goose rip the ball is awesome. I couldn’t have asked for a better doubles partner. He is very motivated and sets a pristine example every time he plays. The opportunity to watch a college level player do his thing everyday was a show for the whole team.” They refer to each other as Goose (Cooper) and Maverick (Matt), from the action movie Top Gun.

Cooper is attending The University of Redlands this fall to play at one of the top Division III programs in the nation. He has made a huge impact on the tennis program here at Westhampton and there is not a doubt in my mind that he is going to kill it at the next level.