In the midst of darkening skies and harsh winds, junior Troy Kaneshiro stepped up to the baseline and connected his racket to the ball, clinching the 10-point tiebreaker to secure a win in a doubles match against Glenbrook South on April 28.

“The day before, [junior Max Manoshin and I] won the first set, but as the weather worsened, they had to postpone the match,” said Kaneshiro. “The next morning, despite losing the second set, we ended up winning the 10-point tiebreaker on my serve. It felt surreal, almost like a blur. It’s like I just cleared my mind, went through the motions and we won.” 

According to head coach Jeff Jordan, Manoshin and Kaneshiro share a strong doubles partnership.

“They work well together and share skills that help the other improve,” Jordan said. 

Kaneshiro and Manoshin have a record of 14-5 on the season.

“I guess we complement each other well,” said Kaneshiro. “Max is 6-foot-4 so that is super intimidating, and he covers lots of ground. I think it’s good we have a guy like that because I am much steadier, so Max kind of makes the massive plays and I’m making sure they get accomplished.”

According to Manoshin, he is better at playing closer to the net, whereas Kaneshiro is more solid from the baseline, so they both have their separate strengths which helps contribute to their success. 

Manoshin and Kaneshiro went to state last season as a doubles team, placing 24th in doubles. 

The team has created an environment where everyone feels like they are making a contribution, Jordan said. 

“I could say something about every guy here,” said Jordan. “They each contribute equally to our team, and really turn a more personalized sport into one where everyone feels like they’re making an impact.” 

Even with senior Konrad Kwiatkowski sidelined due to injury, freshman Atticus Kim, ranked as a five-star recruit for the Class of 2027 and fourth in Illinois, has emerged as a standout player, competing in singles matches while Kwiatkowski, committed to play NCAA Division III tennis at Case Western Reserve University, is out, Jordan said. 

According to Kim, he has a solid overall game, but he hopes to be better at seeking opportunities to approach the net while playing singles.

This year, the team’s goals are to aim for winning the conference, finishing in the top 10 in the state and qualifying as many players as possible, Jordan said. 

“We have such strong attitudes and depth,” said Jordan. “Each guy is strong and has the potential of getting down to state. Like I said before, there’s not much difference between the fifth guy and the 14th. We are all a team.” 

According to Kaneshiro, in a sport that is usually every player for themselves, the team is focusing on teamwork just as much as individual skill this year.

“Our biggest strength is our energy and cohesion,” said Kaneshiro. “We have a lot of it, and we’re all friends with each other. Even though it’s hard to keep the energy after school, we’re out there, having fun … That’s how we win.”