Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
Lucas Vance stays busy.
The Cordova High School junior plays baseball, basketball, and football, but the baseball field is where he feels most at home. As a shortstop, he helped his team win a county championship this season, and he’s already thinking about what’s ahead.
“Winning county was a big deal,” he says. “But now we’re focused on what’s next. The goal is always making it to State.”
Sports have been a part of Lucas’ life since he was little. He started with tee-ball at Union Chapel, played at Valley Junior High, and eventually made his way to Cordova. His dad, who coached him through Little League, pushed him to work hard and stay motivated.
“He’s always been tough on me, but that’s because he wants me to succeed,” Lucas says. “I’ve learned that if you want to get better, you have to put in the work every day.”
That mindset has helped him push through challenges, especially when he’s faced slumps. No matter what sport he’s playing, he knows that consistency and confidence are key.
“You can’t let one bad game get in your head,” he says. “You just keep working and improving.”
Some of Lucas’s best memories come from being with his teammates on the field, on the road, and everywhere in between. With one more year of high school left, he’s hoping to play at the college level but is staying focused on the present. He is set on finishing strong and leading his team toward another playoff run.
“One step at a time,” he says. “Win area first, then go from there.”
His biggest takeaway from sports? Enjoy it.
“Having fun is such a big part of sports,” he says. “That’s what keeps you going.” WL
