Butler’s Bocci with high aspirations on tennis court
PENN TWP — Being named No. 1 singles player on Butler’s boys tennis team as a freshman this year was a major accomplishment for Andrew Bocci.
But he’s not stopping there.
Bocci was 4-7 in that role with the Golden Tornado. He spent a few years in the Butler Country Club youth tennis program and now plays for the Butler Junior Tennis Association. He grew up competing in swimming and tennis — his father, Dave Bocci, was a longtime swimming coach at Butler High School — before devoting his athletic career to tennis two years ago.
“I love the strategy of it,” he said of tennis. “It was a good experience for me, playing No. 1 singles. I went up against a lot of juniors and seniors. It was tough, but I learned a lot.
“My goal is to be among the top three singles players in the WPIAL by my senior year.”
Bocci hasn’t been shy about working toward that goal. He’s been playing in tournaments, practices with Butler Junior Tennis Tuesday through Thursday and competes in BJT matches on Fridays.
He teamed with Ali Smith, a member of the Golden Tornado’s girls tennis team, to represent Butler Junior Tennis in last week’s West Penn Inter-Club Mixed Doubles Junior Team Championship at Butler Country Club.
“The more you play, the better you get,” Bocci said.
Butler High School boys tennis coach Conlan Walsh said Bocci’s goal of becoming one of the top players in the WPIAL is attainable because of his attitude and improving skill level.
“Becoming among the top three in the WPIAL is a phenomenal goal because there are so many great players out there,” Walsh said. “But Andrew can get there. He’s very dedicated to the game and to his team.
“Even though he was a freshman this past season, he still worked with other players on our team. I know he spent a lot of time working with (doubles player) Ben Busler. He’s already giving back to the program.”
Butler Junior Tennis Association coach Lexi Chappel said Bocci is the same way with her program.
“He’s great with our younger kids,” Chappel said. “He’s like having another coach on the court. Andrew has been a tremendous mentor to our younger players. I love his work ethic. I’m very impressed by him.”
Chappel is a former No. 1 singles player on the Butler High School girls tennis team. She is currently the top singles player at Grove City College. Butler Junior Tennis has players from kindergarten age through 12th grade.
In breaking down his own game, Bocci said his strengths are serving ability and planning his shots.
“I need to be more aggressive and play better defense when needed,” he said. “I feel like I’ll develop more as a player as I gain more experience.
“I’ve gotten great coaching and I practice four times a week. I practice in Cranberry, down at Lakevue (indoor courts). I work with Ron Mercer on my game.”
Chappel said Bocci “has a good forehand and is progressing well with his other shots. He’s an impressive young high school player.”
One who will only get better.
“Going up against all of the top players as a freshman ... It lit a fire under him,” Walsh said. “Andrew knows he has a lot of work to do and he’s doing it. It’s going to be fun watching him progress these next few years.”
