It’s not easy to be elite at sports, especially as you get into high school.

Junior Pierson Wheeler had a season for the ages in 2023 for Brownstown Central.

Wheeler’s 23 wins are the most by a Braves boys tennis player in a single season. He was selected as The Tribune’s 2023 boys tennis player of the year for his historic regular season.

“I felt like we grew a lot as a team this season,” Wheeler said. “I worked hard in the offseason. I felt like I got a lot stronger and more athletic, which allowed me to grow my game this season.”

The Braves No. 2 singles player broke the mark of 22, which was set by Ethan Carlin and Sy Zickler in 2015.

“I think my athleticism was better than everyone else’s,” he said. “I played faster and played with an edge. I thought I had a lot of things going right for me this season. I’m excited to build on that moving forward.”

Wheeler still has another season to play with a real possibility of breaking the all-time wins record for a Brownstown boys tennis player. That also is held by Zickler, who has 70. Wheeler already has 58 with one full season to go.

“I just have to keep working, getting stronger and faster throughout the offseason,” Wheeler said. “It’s hard work, and you just have to keep grinding through it all. I need to keep improving and focus on being a good leader.”

Wheeler also was a member of the all-Mid Southern Conference team this past season.

Brownstown head coach Donnie Thomas spoke about Wheeler’s season.

“I thought we had a good year. Pierson had an amazing season for us,” he said. “He had a 39-match win streak at one point, which is pretty impressive. I think he will get better throughout the summer. He has had a great three years. I’m excited about what this team could be next season.”

Remaining members on the all-county team:

Joe Schmidt (Sr.), Seymour: Team captain, all-Hoosier Hills Conference, team most valuable player, IHSTCA District 8 team, IHSTCA all-state honorable mention

Smith Hackman (Jr.), Brownstown Central: All-MSC honorable mention

Nathan Finke (Jr.), Trinity Lutheran: Part of first Trinity doubles team to advance in sectional

Parker Thompson (Jr.), Seymour: IHSTCA District 8 team, IHSTCA all-state honorable mention, team most improved

Lane Steward (Jr.), Brownstown Central: 22-2 record, all-MSC, first at Brown County Invitational

Jonathan Neawedde (So.), Trinity Lutheran: Part of first Trinity doubles team to advance in sectional

Carter Stein (Fr.), Seymour: 18-5 record, team rookie of the year