Over the past four years, Lehighton head boys tennis coach Cody Schuler watched Bayto Cokrlija steadily — and successfully — elevate his level of play.

Even as a freshman, Schuler had strong inclinations that Bayto could develop into the team’s No. 1 player and a District 11 Class 2A singles semifinalist.

The recent Lehighton graduate also played a key role in helping the Indians reach the district team tournament.

“He was a great player, even as a freshman,” said Schuler. “As a sophomore, he really began to improve his game. In his junior year, he began to show his leadership skills with the rest of the team.”

With his progression, Schuler knew Bayto was poised to put it all together for his final season — the culmination of an arduous four-year journey, one made possible by the support systems around him.

“He became a stronger player all-around,” said Schuler. “I wanted him to be a leader for the team, and he definitely did that. He pushed his teammates to do better and helped build their skills.”

With a solid three-year foundation already in place, Bayto capped a stellar senior season. For his efforts, he was named the Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Boys Tennis Player of the Year.

In addition to his postseason accolades, Bayto will always remember a grueling regular-season match against Moravian Academy — a battle that exemplified his growth, resilience and grit, even in a 6-7, 7-5, (4-10) defeat.

“That match will always stay with me,” Bayto said. “I was very excited to play one of the better players in the league. My spirits were up, and I was ready to play.

“The match started off horribly because I was down 5-1, but I was able to calm down my mind and play a lot better. Even though I lost the first set in a tiebreaker, my spirits were still high and I was still very confident in my ability.”

Bayto also had to endure the physical toll of the match.

“I was able to win the next set, but it took a lot out of me,” he said. “I started to cramp up, and I was drenched in sweat. I never tried so hard in a match, but I kept pushing through the pain.

“I ended up losing the third set because I couldn’t keep up physically. My legs kept cramping, and I wasn’t able to stay agile for so long.”

There was a lasting lesson learned through the pain.

“That long match taught me the power of patience,” Bayto said. “Rushing can lead to bad tennis shots, so staying patient was able to provide me with better chances to hit winning shots.

“Whenever I’m having a bad game, I think back about how I was able to come back from a 5-1 deficit during the match. It always gives me the confidence I need to play challenging matches.”

In addition to his inner drive, Bayto credited his family for their unwavering support.

“My dad (Sead) has had the biggest influence on my tennis career,” he said. “Without him, I wouldn’t have been anything in tennis, so I am grateful for everything he has taught me.

“My mom (Senada) always believed in me. She has always been my biggest supporter no matter what.”

Bayto also recognized his younger brother, Bekim — a rising senior — as well as recent graduate Issac Carpenter and former graduate Tegan Durishin. He gave special thanks to Samuel and Jennifer Lux, owners of the Valley Royale Tennis Club, for their guidance.

His support system has helped him continue his tennis career at Kutztown University.

“The people that I practice with — like my brother Bekim, Issac and Tegan — all have had an impact on my career, and I will be forever grateful,” Bayto said.

“Sam and Jenn (Lux) also have had a huge impact. Having lessons with Sam and doing cardio tennis with Jenn helped build my strengths. They definitely boosted my tennis ability, and I think I wouldn’t be the tennis player I am today without them.”

Bekim recognized his brother’s passion early on — and has shared many memories with him.

“I always thought he had potential at a young age,” Bekim said. “He always wanted to play, he had ambition and loved the sport. His passion was unmatched. He loved playing every day.

“A memory that I always remember is Bayto and me playing in Europe for the first time in Montenegro. We had a new coach, a new playing surface and a different atmosphere. Playing was fun, but a bit uncomfortable. After a week, we started getting comfortable with the area and people and really had fun. Our game improved significantly and our confidence level increased.”

Not long after that trip, Bayto’s productive high school career began — one that left a lasting impact on his teammates, his school and his community.