May Student Spotlight: Luca Alderson ’25 Video on Youtube
When Luca Alderson arrived on the Hillside from England, he was a promising hockey prospect. However, South Kent’s culture of discovery helped him find a new passion—golf. With relentless hard work, quiet leadership, and a fierce drive to improve, Luca quickly became South Kent’s top golfer and team captain.
“Luca Alderson’s raw talent on the course has left an indelible mark on South Kent Golf,” says Coach Bill Whittaker. “Though his journey had its own rhythm, his skill never wavered. As he takes his next swing at Chicago State, we can’t wait to see where his natural ability takes him—because when he’s on, he’s unstoppable.”
This spring, Luca led the Cardinals to an impressive finish at the Western New England Prep Golf Invitational, improving three spots from last season’s placement. He also captured the title at the SKS Spring Championship at River Oaks Golf Club, further solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the program.
On Decision Day, Luca was featured in a special Student Spotlight “Pathways” interview with Young Alumni leaders Dillon Duncan ’04 and Rich Brande ’88. There, he shared his journey from hockey to golf, his deep love of history, and his aspirations to pursue a career in the sport he now calls his own. He will be attending Chicago State University on a full athletic scholarship, where he will study history, while competing at the collegiate level.
Adding to the celebration, South Kent alumnus and NBA legend Dorell Wright (recently featured on Pathways) shared a special video message for Luca. Wright—along with his former teammate Dwyane Wade—recently launched ACE Members Only, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at broadening access to the game of golf and empowering underrepresented youth.
“Golf is one of those things that has opened up to us as access,” Wade shared in a recent interview. “It’s only because we’ve been able to get out of our communities, travel the world, experience and meet people, and then be able to play this beautiful game.” Wright’s message to Luca echoed that same spirit of opportunity and encouragement, recognizing the significance of young athletes like Luca stepping into leadership roles in the sport.
Luca is a respected and admired member of the South Kent community, and we are proud to celebrate all he has achieved. His story is a testament to what can happen when talent, curiosity, and character come together on the Hillside.
