Cowboy Culture: Luke Hammond

The 2021-22 season signals a new beginning for the Oklahoma State men's tennis program under the guidance of first-year head coach Dustin Taylor.

Helping lead the way for the new era in the program's history will be a familiar face in Luke Hammond, the lone returning player on a nine-man roster which features five freshmen and sophomores.

Hammond, a native of Birmingham, England, enters his fifth year as a member of the team. The veteran's final campaign in Stillwater will see him take on many important roles on the squad, most importantly his status as team captain.

"It is a privilege to be a captain with all the new guys and lots of freshmen. I need to step up and show them how things are done around here. It is awesome to lead a brand new group of guys into something unknown. It is really special to be the first guy in this special era," Hammond said.

"I am really happy."

During his time in Stillwater, Hammond has made his mark in the program's record book. He ranks as the eighth-winningest Cowboy in doubles play, tallying an impressive 43-23 record. During the 2017-18 season, he boasted 24 doubles victories to produce the 10^th-best single-season total in OSU history.

The senior was dealt a setback at the start of the 2020-21 season, tearing a tendon in his arch during the fall season. However, he would make his return in doubles play during the quarterfinals at the Big 12 Championship and would compete in the following consecutive matches for the remainder of the season.

"It was kind of crazy. It was hard to watch everyone play and you just have to sit there and not contribute to anything. But, when I came back for the Big 12 Championships and the first and second round of NCAAs, it was great," Hammond said.

"I got a few wins, but it was just good to be back on the court and playing college tennis."

After a change in the program's leadership during the offseason, Hammond's commitment to being a Cowboy did not waiver. The business major knew that OSU was where he was meant to be and the arrival of head coach Dustin Taylor solidified his decision.

"In my mind, I was going to stay no matter what, I knew the right person would come in. When I talked to Dustin for the first time on the phone, he was super nice and pumped to have me stay. He knows a lot about tennis, which is good and I think it's going to help everyone. Since it's my last year, I don't think there is anyone better," Hammond said.

To Hammond, it's more than just stepping on the court, but more the legacy left behind.

"When Dustin said we were going to rebuild the culture and bring the right people in, that's when I knew one hundred percent that he was the right guy. I knew then I was going to leave this team better than when I came on," Hammond said.

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