The Coronado High School boys tennis team is notably small compared to its competition, but it’s their reliable senior class that has the Islanders finding success year after year.
Two notable seniors from this steady bunch are Jesse Piepenkotter and Alex Nebel.
Piepenkotter, who has played in 12 singles matches and 21 doubles matches, is described by coaches as being incredibly competitive, and head coach Jeff Harrington said Piepenkotter is the fastest player on the team.
The senior’s speed has propelled him to an impressive spot in the San Diego High School tennis rankings.
Out of over 1,000 high school tennis athletes, Piepenkotter is ranked No. 153 — with only two other Islanders ranked above him.
Key player on team
As for Nebel, according to Harrington, the senior has been a key player on the team since he began coaching the Islanders.
Nebel’s knack for remaining concentrated throughout the match is one of his many attributes that has allowed him to contribute to the team even before his senior year.
Along with being known for his sharp mind on the court, Nebel has a solid backhand that makes him extremely accurate from long distance, according to his coach.
“Alex always has a smile on his face when playing. He’s a great teammate,” said Harrington.
Both seniors have played an essential role in getting the Islanders to the No. 7 seed in the upcoming CIF Championships for Division II playoffs.
Love of racquetball
However, when the senior duo isn’t competing on the tennis court they both are avid participants in racquetball.
As a freshman and sophomore, Piepenkotter won two national championships, while Nebel also enjoys the sport.
Despite both sports being played with a ball and a racket, Piepenkotter said racquetball doesn’t always prepare a person for tennis.
“They are completely different in both the goal of your shots, the type of racquet you use, and even how you hit your shots,” said Piepenkotter.
According to the senior, in racquetball he aims to hit his shots as flat and low as possible. In tennis, he looks to put more arc on the ball and apply spin.
Piepenkotter did explain that there are still a few similarities between the two sports that have improved his tennis skills.
“The only things that have translated over from racquetball are precision with my racket, returning balls that are hard to get, and eye-hand coordination,” said Piepenkotter.
Taking leadership seriously
Piepenkotter and Nebel’s veteran presence has been crucial for a team that understands they lack in size compared to larger San Diego high schools, according to Harrington.
Not only is their high level of play something the team relies on, but the mindset both seniors have ends up benefitting the whole program.
“These guys are competitive, and they understand we are the little guys ‘punching up.’ That is all the motivation they need. Each player knows the things he needs to work on, and everyone wants to get better not only for himself but also for the team,” said Harrington.
Both boys don’t take their role as the seniors lightly.
Piepenkotter and Nebel said they understand their role is important to the overall success of the team from giving advice to ensuring practice time is utilized correctly.
“My goal this year was to help other players on my team improve.”
-Senior Jesse Piepenkotter
“My goal this year was to help other players on my team improve,” Piepenkotter said. “I think that it is a part of my job to give younger players advice about their game in order for them to get better.”
Nebel, Piepenkotter, and the rest of the Islander team will face off against Olympian High School from Chula Vista at home to begin CIF playoffs on Tuesday, April 18.
