With the 2025-26 season coming to a close, the JP Stevens Girls Tennis Team has been exceptional, showcasing its dedication and teamwork. With a winning record of 9-5 and a record of 5-2 in the Red Division of the GMCs, the team currently sits at third place overall in the GMCs. This record highlights each player’s growth and ability as an athlete and teammate, building individual confidence and creating team chemistry. This team is led by Senior captain Neeva Sule and Junior captain Sophie Sun who lead by example and demonstrate what it means to be a tennis player for the JP Stevens Hawks.
This year’s lineup consists of sophomore Shinjini Chandra, who plays first singles; senior captain Neeva Sule, who plays second singles; and sophomore Sara Chitnis, who plays third singles. The doubles teams are made up of juniors Haarika Pemmaraju and Aditi Rajaraman, who play first doubles, and juniors, captain Sophie Sun and Neha Shinil, who play second doubles. Together, these players are undeniably significant members of the team that support one another, proving their persistence in tackling the challenges they face.
In their state quarterfinal match against Bayonne, the Girls won with a clean 5-0 sweep, a win that would not have been possible without the dedication, focus, and confidence of each player. At first singles, Shinjini Chandra dominated, winning 6-1 6-0. Keeping up this momentum, Neeva Sule gave a strong performance, winning 6-1. Next, Sara Chitnis won 6-2 6-0 who has made an outstanding comeback from losing her first 2 games to winning the next 12. The doubles teams were equally successful, with Haarika Pemmaraju and Aditi Rajaraman winning 6-0 against an undefeated doubles team. And to close it all off, Sophie Sun and Neha Shinil won handily with a 6-1 6-2 victory. The Hawk’s determination, dedication, and consistency were put clearly on display, with each player hungry and willing to fight for victory.
Coach Michael Siter has been extremely proud of each player and how they’ve come together as a team, determined to win it all. When asked about what was the most valuable part of this season, Captain Neeva Sule answers saying “there is nothing more valuable than being surrounded by people who love and support you. I think all of us learned that this season.” When asked about how it feels to be a junior captain, Sohpie Sun responded by saying “balancing growing as a person and being a leader was challenging, but being surrounded by supportive people brought the best out of me, and it helped bring the best out of all of us.” With only a few matches left in the season, the Hawks are determined not to let this momentum die out and continue their success. Their dedication, teamwork, and spirit continue to show, and it’s clear that JP Stevens girls’ tennis has a bright future ahead.
