On Thursday, Randolph-Henry High School senior Brycen Boettcher signed a national letter of intent to play tennis at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland.

Randolph Henry’s Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Chris Holt said Randolph-Macon boys tennis is currently 10-4.

“He’s not going to a program that’s suffering. He’s going to a program that’s very competitive right now,” Holt said. He said this is a reflection of Boettcher’s accomplishments academically and within the sport.

“Also, it speaks to the fact that they’re getting one of the best student athletes in total that we’ve got at our school,” said Holt.

According to Holt, Boettcher currently holds a 4.19 GPA. “That certainly doesn’t happen by accident. That’s a tremendous amount of hard work, effort, energy and commitment to your academics . . .,” Holt said.

David DeShetler, head coach of boys tennis at Randolph-Henry, said although he has only known Boettcher for a short period of time, he has been impressed with his seriousness and strategies of approaching any given task.

“I know that Randolph-Macon will be gaining a great player and student,” he said.

Boettcher thanked his family and friends for the continued support, in addition to former players and coaches. “Without them, I would not be able to do what i’m doing now,” he said.

Boettcher said initially, he had not planned to go to Randolph-Macon. “I had no idea who Randolph-Macon was my 11th grade year. Coach (Charles)Gray reached out to me about tennis and it was on from there,” he said.

Boettcher said he is hopeful about having the opportunity to play next season at Randolph-Macon, however, he will spend the first season learning if not.

Jane Boettcher, Brycen’s mother, said she is very proud of his accomplishments.

“A lot of tennis was taught by fellow teammates,” Jane said. “He started out in eighth grade, he learned from them . . ..” She said he also taught himself a lot through diligent practice.

“Brycen, you have a great future ahead of you,” Holt said. Brycen Boettcher is the son of Jane and William Boettcher of Keysville.