TFS boys’ tennis team is cultivating a strong culture of camaraderie and improvement under the leadership of Head Coach Matthew Janich.
According to Janich, many players come from the school’s swim team, and there is a legacy of siblings passing through the program. He believes this bond is key to the team’s success. “A lot of these guys have known each other for years,” Janich said. “I’ve coached their older brothers, and that continuity helps keep the culture strong from season to season.”
However, Janich acknowledges challenges, particularly with new players who have never played tennis before. “None of them came in as experienced players,” he said. “I have juniors and seniors learning the game from scratch, but I love teaching. It’s fun to see a kid in the hallway and say, ‘Hey, you’ve never played tennis before—why don’t you try out?’ That’s how we build the program.”
For the athletes themselves, tennis has been both a learning experience and a source of enjoyment. Ifeolewa Fashoranti, the team’s No. 2 singles player, remarked on the sport’s appeal: “Tennis looks easy when you watch it, but once you start playing, it’s really fun.”
Gabriel Morales, No. 1 singles player, emphasized personal growth: “You can’t beat yourself up over little mistakes,” Morales said. “Use them to improve, pay attention to the details, and have fun.”
Junior Alex Moreno, who plays No. 1 doubles, focused on preparation for matches: “This year, I’ve been more committed to my health,” Moreno said. “I did swim to build endurance, then worked on my backhand and serves. Before matches, I listen to music to stay calm and loose.”
