Richardson Luke

By Victoria Shawgo

A recent graduate from Strawberry Crest High School, Luke Richardson combined the pursuit of academics and baseball over the course of his high school career and excelled in both. Juggling the demands of the inter baccalaureate program alongside a demanding practice schedule was not easy, but Richardson maintains, “It was hard, but definitely worth it.”

Richardson’s decade-long love for baseball started at an early age as he followed in the cleats of his dad, who played for Bloomingdale High School and Manatee Community College. A pitcher for the Chargers, his most notable highlight from this season was pitching eight scoreless innings in a nine-inning nail biter against Durant, where the Chargers emerged victorious. He is most motivated by his passion for the game and a desire to keep playing at a high level.

“To be able to play at that level you really have to push yourself to be better than everybody else,” he shared. “Everybody kind of evens out on the playing field so whoever works the hardest is able to play the most.”

He ended his high school baseball career on a high note, being given the opportunity to play in the Hillsborough All Star Game against Pinellas at Tropicana Field, and also being placed on the All Western Conference National Division First Team.

Looking ahead, Luke is pursuing a Civil Engineering degree at Auburn in the Fall and is hoping to walk on to their baseball team and continue his pitching career.