Groton completes a perfect ISL season: We are the champions!
This season is now over. It was truly one for the record books. With Groton's decisive 14-1 victory over St. Mark's this afternoon, the boys tennis team completed a perfect 15-0 season. In dual matches, their record was 18-0 with all ISL teams, plus Andover, Exeter and Deerfield falling to the Zebras. The Kingswood-Oxford Tournament was also won by Groton, and the squad competed valiantly in the "A" Division New England Tournament, winning in the quarter-finals and semis, before losing in the finals in the very last set.
This St. Mark's match was very enjoyable, with many fans and parents in attendance and a lot of fine tennis played between these longtime rivals. Matt Kandel was brilliant both in singles and in doubles. He finished the season with one of the very best records in all of New England Tennis. He is truly a force, a racquetsman capable of magic on the court. Captain Sam Girian was razor-sharp this afternoon, completing his five-year tenure on the starting varsity team. His brilliant leadership was responsible for bringing Groton to the very top. Andrew Yang showed how formidable an opponent he is, beating a strong St. Mark's player decisively. Aaron Jin also was quite sharp today, winning both sets stylishly at #4. Gabe Scholl and Powers Trigg did something quite remarkable: they were undefeated in doubles in the ISL -- a perfect 15-0 record. Powers was also undefeated in singles in the ISL, with a sparkling 30-0 record in sets won/lost. Both boys won their sets today.
Our managers, Garvel Cassamajor and Arabella Peters, were superb supporters of our campaign this spring, always ready to help the squad out in countless ways. Behind the scenes, Cory Varrell offered expert guidance as a strength and agility coach, while Jim Lockney was always sure we had what we needed on and off the courts. Art Cheeks and Christine Alarcon kept the squad healthy, with great support in the training room. We are grateful to them and to the Athletic Department (Bob Low and Harold Francis) for supporting our goals of excellence. Finally, Tim Dumont and the whole staff of Buildings and Grounds rescued us with amazing help on and off the courts.
Said Señor Conner: "This season was another dream come true. Our last ISL championship was sixteen years ago -- in 2002. When that 2002 team came back last spring for their induction into the Groton School Athletic Hall of Fame, I wondered how long it would be until we could get back to the top again. Well, prayers were answered. It took just one year. This year's group of athletes was one of the most talented I have ever coached. Sam Girian was a truly remarkable captain who led this squad with courage and skill. I will always remember this season, including the great support that the Groton School student body and faculty offered us. The crowds this year were the largest ever watching a boys tennis season. And we were especially blessed that the Headmaster and Mrs. Maqubela are huge tennis fans. Their presence was constant, and their support unwavering. ¡Olé!
Back
This St. Mark's match was very enjoyable, with many fans and parents in attendance and a lot of fine tennis played between these longtime rivals. Matt Kandel was brilliant both in singles and in doubles. He finished the season with one of the very best records in all of New England Tennis. He is truly a force, a racquetsman capable of magic on the court. Captain Sam Girian was razor-sharp this afternoon, completing his five-year tenure on the starting varsity team. His brilliant leadership was responsible for bringing Groton to the very top. Andrew Yang showed how formidable an opponent he is, beating a strong St. Mark's player decisively. Aaron Jin also was quite sharp today, winning both sets stylishly at #4. Gabe Scholl and Powers Trigg did something quite remarkable: they were undefeated in doubles in the ISL -- a perfect 15-0 record. Powers was also undefeated in singles in the ISL, with a sparkling 30-0 record in sets won/lost. Both boys won their sets today.
Our managers, Garvel Cassamajor and Arabella Peters, were superb supporters of our campaign this spring, always ready to help the squad out in countless ways. Behind the scenes, Cory Varrell offered expert guidance as a strength and agility coach, while Jim Lockney was always sure we had what we needed on and off the courts. Art Cheeks and Christine Alarcon kept the squad healthy, with great support in the training room. We are grateful to them and to the Athletic Department (Bob Low and Harold Francis) for supporting our goals of excellence. Finally, Tim Dumont and the whole staff of Buildings and Grounds rescued us with amazing help on and off the courts.
Said Señor Conner: "This season was another dream come true. Our last ISL championship was sixteen years ago -- in 2002. When that 2002 team came back last spring for their induction into the Groton School Athletic Hall of Fame, I wondered how long it would be until we could get back to the top again. Well, prayers were answered. It took just one year. This year's group of athletes was one of the most talented I have ever coached. Sam Girian was a truly remarkable captain who led this squad with courage and skill. I will always remember this season, including the great support that the Groton School student body and faculty offered us. The crowds this year were the largest ever watching a boys tennis season. And we were especially blessed that the Headmaster and Mrs. Maqubela are huge tennis fans. Their presence was constant, and their support unwavering. ¡Olé!
Groton School Mission: To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.
© 2025 Groton School. All Rights Reserved.
