Kikugawa’s latest challenge is guiding VHS boys’ tennis team




Travis Kikugawa is a busy man.

A first-year boys’ tennis coach, Kikugawa has led the girls’ team for eight years. He also coaches the boys’ and girls’ soccer squads, and he helps out with admissions and counseling at Viewpoint.

As an athletic counselor, he advises student-athletes during the entire recruiting process. He’s the athletic department’s liaison for prospective students and their families through the admissions office.

“It’s pretty crazy usually from August to essentially May or June,” Kikugawa said.

The coach hopes the Patriot boys (9-1 overall, 2-0 in league) can defend their Liberty League tennis title, and possibly contend for CIFSouthern Section glory.

“It’s been an unbelievable transition,” Kikugawa said. “We have a lot of hardworking, humble kids who are all about the team.”

Bryce Beisswanger is the Patriots’ top dog.

The junior is a fierce competitor who has the potential to play college tennis, the coach said.

“Any coach would be lucky to build programs around kids like him,” Kikugawa said of Beisswanger.

Juniors Nishanth Yamani and Kobi Joffe are the other top singles players.

Ajai Dhadwal, a member of the U.S. men’s field hockey national team, teams up with Charlie Werman at No. 1 doubles.

Dhadwal, a junior, is a savvy veteran who’s helping with the maturation process of the freshman Werman.

Ben Willner and Jeremy Wacker play doubles. Jason Ungar, Jack Kleinman, Charlie Greulich, Henry Grunzweig and Brett Goodfriend are also in the mix.

“The focus is to get these guys to learn more and more about competitive greatness,” Kikugawa said.

“I’m trying to mentor and help these guys understand what it means to go out on a court every day to compete and want to be the best.”

— Eliav Appelbaum



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