Star Student Athlete: Meet Portsmouth's Luke

PORTSMOUTH, RI — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Margie Brennan, who nominated her son Luke, of Portsmouth for his play in football and basketball.

Star student athlete’s name

Luke

Star student athlete’s home state

Rhode Island

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Portsmouth

How do you know the star student athlete?

Mom

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Football & Basketball

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Luke has been a starting varsity football player since his sophomore year. Junior year, he was a middle line backer and back up quarterback. When his team was riddled with injuries , Luke filled in H-back, safety, corner and whatever else his coach needed him to be with dedication and determination. He was named an All Division athlete. He started receiving looks from D- 3 colleges and spent the summer working towards his goal. Going into his senior year, Luke was named starting quarterback and captain. However, during 2 non league games pre season, he broke his hand and had to have full ligament repair on his scaphoid bone. This is a very long recovery and he is told he is done with sports for the rest of his senior year. Despite this, you will see Luke on the side line cheering for his team. He is the first one to go out and high five his brothers. He often pulls younger kids aside and works with them on technique during practice or speaks to his teammates about what he sees them doing during the game. And on occasion, he will have a head set on speaking to his coaches. Game days are the toughest for me as a mom, yet Luke is so positive and roots for his team. When asked, he will say he has to look at the big picture and know it can be worse and he has to keep it in perspective (his dad, who is also one of the coaches, had a heart transplant last year and without it, could have died). Luke is a great kid and has a 3.5 GPA through it all. I admire his strength and bravery.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

Luke is an all around good person, player, student, and friend.

Keep up the great work, Luke!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.