Student Athlete of the Week: Tyler Chivukula

Senior Tyler Chivukula doesn't take his new role as a Niwot High School boys tennis team captain lightly.

"I take a lot of pride in it," Chivukula said. "Team captains are always someone that's looked up to. In the past, I've always looked up to the team captains. Being the person that's looked up to now is a really big honor."

Along with fellow captains Charlie Kirtland and Rex Wallington, Chivukula is looking to improve the Cougars' chemistry throughout the entire program, junior varsity included. That focus requires those three to help create a welcoming and enjoyable environment.

"I want to have our team feeling a little bit more united," Chivukula said. "I want to have fun with it, too. I want to enjoy the last ride."

So far, Chivukula's final ride is going well despite weather impacting each of Niwot's first two meets. He and No. 4 doubles partner Ollie Jones dropped their first match against Kent Denver High School but rebounded nicely with a victory over Monarch High School on Thursday, Aug. 22.

"I feel like I'm playing really good," Chivukula said. "Me and Ollie, we've both been playing quite amazing recently. It's really nice because we were doubles partners two years ago, so we have a lot of chemistry."

The two seniors' strong relationship is even maintained off the court.

"We're just really good friends," Chivukula said. "Outside of tennis we hang out a lot, and he's one of my good friends. It's nice playing with someone that I'm close with."

As a junior playing No. 4 doubles last year, Chivukula reached the second round of the Class 4A state individual tournament while working alongside Gabe Bandera. Chivukula's season included notable No. 4 doubles wins over duos from D'Evelyn, Cheyenne Mountain, and Mullen high schools.

While he certainly experienced some success last year en route to reaching his second career state tournament, improving certain aspects of his game remains critical.

"The biggest adjustment I've made is I'm focusing on my returns a little bit more," Chivukula said. "Last year that was a big struggle for me, so I practiced them a lot over the offseason. Honestly, that was my main focus."

The highlight of Chivukula's junior year came via his primary sport of lacrosse, however. Playing for the Erie High School varsity team, he scored 12 goals and tallied five assists en route to the Tigers winning the Class 4A state championship. In Erie's title game victory over Northfield High School, he recorded an assist while his freshman younger brother, Drake, scored a goal.

"It was something I'll never forget," Chivukula said. "Two years ago, I remember we lost it (state title game) and that whole offseason it was us rallying to win that state championship. It was a big build up and it was such a nice experience, especially winning it with Marcus (Vock) and my little brother."

Once his high school tennis season concludes this fall, Chivukula plans on playing club lacrosse for Team 91 Colorado. He's also considering a potential future in lacrosse at the college level.