2026 Tennis Preview

by Nelson Coffin

After a dozen seasons without a championship, McDonogh broke through last year by edging Calvert Hall, 3-2, in the A Conference final.

Gilman, which claimed nine of the 10 previous titles, was denied in coach Steve Krulevitz’s swan song with the Greyhounds after 15 very productive years at the helm.

Although Boys’ Latin hasn’t quite matched Gilman’s dynasty, the Lakers nevertheless earned four straight B crowns before moving to the A this spring.

C Conference champ Glenelg Country will follow a similar path by competing in the B this season.

A CONFERENCE

Calvert Hall boasts a pair of reigning singles champions, sophomores Austin Chhun (No. 1) and Francis Ceballos (No. 2), who give the top of the lineup a potent punch.

Look for freshmen Jack Antonelli, Harrison Monk, and Demetri Eckley to give the Cardinals another youthful talent infusion. 

Senior Conor Gibbs and junior David Susko lend key doubles’ experience to a group that will try to match the 2023 squad’s team championship.

After topping Calvert Hall in the team final last year, McDonogh will hunt another crown while returning No. 2 singles runner-up Landon Tamaddon and No. 3 singles champ Gil Boker to the fold.

The Eagles also bring back No. 1 doubles winners Sky Amster and David Barnstein while fellow sophomore Rajan Marwaha will seek a new partner after teaming with Spencer Park to hoist the No. 2 doubles’ banner last spring.

"In joining the A Conference for this upcoming season, Boys' Latin is excited to compete with some of the best tennis players in the area," coach Rich Zielaskiewicz said. "Senior co-captains Neil Curley and Logan Roth will be leading the way, and freshmen Oscar Brown and Chase Roth will be important contributors as well."

B CONFERENCE

Archbishop Curley coach Annie Bartomioli will have some experienced returnees throughout the lineup, including junior singles performers Deonte Harris (No. 1), Bryce Epstein (No. 2) and  Brayden Epstein (No. 3).

She described Harris as a “three-year player who has shown impressive growth across all aspects of his game” and lauded Bryce Epstein for continuing “to demonstrate steady improvement and consistency.”

Meanwhile, Brayden Epstein is making a strong impression during internal playoffs after a year hiatus,  Bartomioli said.

No. 1 doubles duo of senior co-captain Jacob Ruth and junior Yashmit Gururani have developed excellent chemistry and should be another strength. 

Senior co-captain Matthew Schruefer, who hones his game by playing extensively beyond the high school season, will join talented and enthusiastic newcomer Spencer Gould to form the No. 2 doubles tandem.

“We’re entering this season with a completely new lineup after graduating most of last year’s starters, but I’ve been extremely impressed with how this group has stepped up,” the coach said. “The players have put in the work, earned their spots, and continue to push each other every day. I’m excited to see how this team competes and grows over the course of the season. They’ve already shown resilience and commitment, and I’m confident they’ll rise to the challenge.”

Senior Morgan Schaefer, “a solid, dependable, worry-free hard worker and a true leader on and off the court,” has earned the No. 1 singles spot for Key School, according to coach Aaron Benjamin.

“His dedication and consistency set the tone for the team and inspire everyone around him,” the coach added.

The No. 2 position will be handled by sophomore Tate Holmes, whose “problem-solving skills and maturity” with marked “growth and adaptability, have already made a noticeable impact on our lineup,” Benjamin said.

Seniors Jeffrey Mullin and Scott Sabean are “showing an eagerness to learn, attentiveness, and demonstrating that they are not only great players, but also great listeners”, while junior Matei Dean has been remarkably consistent, providing steady and reliable play that the team can always count on,” Benjamin said

“I am incredibly proud of this team this season,” the coach concluded. “We have a well-balanced roster from top to bottom, and the collective effort and attitude of these players make me excited for what’s ahead.”

Coach Jon Jacobson said that Archbishop Spalding should be in every match this season, with a trio of fourth-year players — Alex Fatula, Cody Winn and Moe Lonergan — anchoring the roster. 

Freshmen Alex Awakian and Landon Oliver will handle singles’ chores while seniors Tony Macleay and Seb White are slated for doubles. 

A return to the B Conference could give Severn a boost this spring for new coach Will Rogers.

Juniors Ryan Forgione and Luca Gargagliano will take the top spot in singles for the Admirals with freshman Sebastian Sardi at No. 3.

Junior Brett Paquin and freshman Luke Jacobs will compete in No. 1 doubles with junior Nathan Bergman and sophomore Jeffrey Mitchell at No. 2.

“We are hoping to be more competitive,” Rogers said. “Our goal is to finish with a winning record this season.

C CONFERENCE

St. John’s Catholic Prep coach Phillip Harvin will rely on seniors Chloe West, Amelia Trivers and Emily Cho to guide junior Norah Guilford and sophomores Michael Gallaugher, CJ Jackson III and Ellery O'Neill.

“So far I've seen some great strides in the short time we've worked together,” the first-year coach said. “Where that lands up competitively is to be determined. Our focus will be in continuing to improve as tennis players and people. The competitive side will work itself out as those continue to progress.”

Four-year starters Gavin Gregg and Jack Thompson, coupled with junior defending C Conference individual champ Collin Powell, give Annapolis Area Christian School a triple threat at the top of the lineup. 
   
Junior Seth Vander Wall and sophomores Jackson Miller and Gio Tomassoni are newcomers to a promising squad that will also feature freshmen Hannah Williams   
and Kingston Morton.

"We return our top-three players from a team that finished (half a point) from winning a championship last season," coach Paul Brophy said. "That gives us a great base to build on and good experience to help lead the new additions. We have added a group with a solid golf foundation and have strong hopes of improving and fighting again for a chance at a title."

(This article may be updated as more league coaches respond to our inquiries.)