Laying the Groundwork: A Season of Growth for GSB Boys Tennis

Resilience, growth, and grit defined the 2025 Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Boys’ Tennis season. After graduating five seniors who held the top five spots in the 2024 lineup, this year's smaller squad faced the challenge of rebuilding head-on. With new players stepping into key roles and a collective commitment to improvement, the Knights laid the groundwork for a strong future.

From day one, the team’s focus was on hard work, preparation, and development. That mindset paid off. “Each time the Knights faced a conference opponent for the second time, the performance improved,” said Varsity Head Coach Chris Walsh. “We play in one of the most competitive counties in New Jersey, and GSB finished the season with a 3–11 record—an honest reflection of a transitional year filled with valuable experience and momentum.”

One of the season's most compelling storylines was the internal competition for the top singles position. Ninth Grader Krish Patel began at third singles, moved up to second, and eventually claimed the first singles spot after winning a challenge match. Patel finished with five total wins—four of them at the top spot—and demonstrated remarkable determination and coachability throughout the season.

At second singles, senior and Team Captain Justin Lee anchored the lineup, earning his third varsity letter and providing steady leadership to a young team. His commitment to continual improvement set the tone both on and off the court.

Junior Davis Herr made the jump from doubles to third singles, recording four wins and delivering one of the season's most memorable performances against powerhouse Watchung Hills. Though the final score was 6–1, 6–3, Herr's foot speed, grit, and highlight-reel shots made it one of the most hard-fought matches of the year.

In doubles play, sophomores Abhishek Desai and Anthony Zhuang developed strong chemistry at first doubles. Their most thrilling victory came on April 22 against Bound Brook. After splitting the first two sets, they faced—and saved—three match points in a dramatic third-set tiebreaker, ultimately winning 11–9 and securing the match for the Knights.

At second doubles, sophomores Hunter Davis and Daniel Elbonne showed consistent growth and teamwork, laying a solid foundation for their return next season.

“Throughout the year, the team culture was one of support and camaraderie,” said Coach Walsh. “Upperclassmen mentored younger players, teammates celebrated each other's wins, and every practice brought a renewed sense of purpose. Whether competing in matches or pushing each other in drills, this team showed what it means to show up for one another.”

Additional contributors included senior Nathaniel Pollard; sophomore Evan Harris; and three promising freshmen—Aston Leong, Austin Greene, and Andrew Slye—who all gained valuable experience in their debut season. With most of the roster returning and a wave of emerging talent rising through the Middle School program, the future of Gill St. Bernard's Boys Tennis is bright.

“Two guiding principles shaped our journey this season and will continue to define our program in the years to come,” said Coach Walsh. “Proper preparation equals peak performance, and hard work will always be rewarded. The rebuilding has begun—and the momentum is real."