University boys tennis team caps memorable season with CIF state championship

University players and coaches celebrate after winning the state title. (Photo courtesy University tennis).

It was quite year for the University High School boys tennis team, which added another collection to the trophy case by winning the inaugural CIF boys state championship.

The team, coached by John Kessler, was also the CIF Open Division champion and CIF SoCal regional champion.

The Trojans, coached by John Kessler, won the state title defeating California High School of San Ramon 6-1.

University teams have won 18 straight Pacific Coast league titles with a league record of 184 wins and only two losses during this span and have 15 CIF Southern Section, nine Ojai Valley Tournament, four So Cal Regional crowns and four National All-American titles, according to Kessler.

In the state championship match, Uni swept the four singles matches with freshemn Rishvanth Krishna, JiHyuk Im and Daniel Zhu and junior Arystarkh Len leading the way. 

In doubles play, senior captains SangHyuk Im and Bradley Yung won a first doubles with Mimo Alajeely and Langston Walter-Wu winning at second doubles, according to Kessler.

The Trojans finished with a 30-2 record.

“The 2024 team had an incredible chemistry that emanated from our three captains, SangHyuk Im, Bradley Yung and Cedric Lichsteiner,” Kessler said.

“With a healthy mix of young, unproven talent as well as some upperclassmen experience, the boys improved throughout the season finding ways to beat some very tough teams. There is no doubt that playing in the ultra-competitive Pacific Coast league stacked with top level players and led by incredible coaches, made the Trojans a battle tested team.

“The behavior and culture of this league sets the standard for not only the level of play but more importantly the behavior and conduct of its players and coaches.”

Kessler said the Pacific Coast League is “arguably the toughest boys tennis league in the nation.”