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Arjun Kersten trusted his high school coach’s intentions when it came to his future.

Plano West Senior High coach Morgen Walker approached Kersten at a practice and gave him the contact information for the Air Force Academy. Walker had emailed Air Force head coach Dan Oosterhous to let him know about Kersten.

Five-Star Senior Arjun Kersten Has Committed to Air Force
© Contributed Photo

Walker believed Kersten was suited for the military environment and could live up to the high standards required.

"He thought it would be a good step for me to improve my game and show my leadership as a person,” Kersten said. “He told me it would be a good life decision, not just for tennis or academics, but as a lifestyle as well."

Kersten spoke with Oosterhous shortly after getting the message. He arranged a visit to Air Force in February before the coronavirus pandemic shut down in-person recruiting. The five-star senior from Texas liked what he saw in Colorado Springs, and committed to the Falcons.

"Just being around the coaches and the campus gave me a really good overball vibe,” Kersten said. “I just had a feeling when I was there and loved it."

Kersten has family history in the military. His dad served in the Navy, his uncle was a Marine and his grandfather fought in the war.

"It was something that wasn't foreign to me,” Kersten said. “I think a lot of people say nowadays that the military is not really something people want to get into. I had a more open mind about it going through the process. Getting to know what it entails and everything made me realize it was something I'd be willing and love to do."