With the seasons in full swing, the Dinuba High School tennis team is making steady progress under the leadership of Varsity Coach Fadra Kiehn and Junior Varsity Coach Ryan Nalbandian. Both teams have demonstrated dedication and growth, with the Varsity team pushing for the playoffs and the varsity players working to improve their skills and move up.
Varsity Team: Upping their game
The varsity team has started the season with a 4-3 overall record and a 1-0 record in league play, showing they are a competitive force this year. Coach Kiehn is pleased with the team’s chemistry and how they have adjusted despite losing key seniors from last season. “Our biggest strength is how well the team works together,” she said. “We lost seniors last year, but there doesn’t seem to be any holes. Everyone has stepped up and contributed.”
However, the team faces a significant challenge: limited court space. With only four slowly deteriorating courts available, players often have to wait for their turn to practice, making it difficult to get as much hitting time as they would like. Despite this, Coach Kiehn and her players have found creative ways to maximize their practice time, focusing on different match scenarios, whether it’s singles, doubles, or net play.
Motivation is key for any team, and the Varsity squad keeps morale high with a unique tradition at the end of every practice. The “spotlight” tradition allows players to recognize one of their teammates, sharing positive feedback and encouragement. The lighthearted, supportive environment helps create strong team bonds while keeping practices competitive and fun.
With the playoffs in sight, the team is working hard to fine-tune its game. Some of the standout players leading the charge include Kalen Patel, a sophomore who moved up from Jv last year and now holds the No.1 spot. Meanwhile, Jeshua Villarreal and Jacob Valdez have dominated the court, remaining undefeated in singles matches. Their determination and grit have set the tone for the rest of the team.
“The team looks great for the next few years,” Kiehn said. “I’m very impressed with their determination and hard work. They have big goals, and I know they’ll keep pushing to get better every match.”
JV Team: creating Future Varsity
The JV team has also made impressive strides this season. While their matches may not be as high-stakes as Varsity’s, Coach Nalbandian’s primary focus is on growth and development. “I’ve seen a ton of improvement from all of our players, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season,” he said.
JV’s biggest strength is consistency. Unlike some teams that rely on power or aggressive play, Dinuba High’s JV team focuses on steady, patient tennis, waiting for opponents to make mistakes rather than forcing risky shots. While this gives them an edge, Coach Nalbandian is also working hard to strengthen their serves and net play, two key areas that often separate Varsity-level players from JV.
Rather than highlighting just a few top players, Nalbandian believes that everyone on the team is showing potential. His coaching philosophy is centered around improvement over wins, and he encourages his players to focus on getting better each time they step on the court. “Wins are nice, but our main goal is to get better every time we play. If we focus on that, the wins will come naturally,” he explained.
To keep his players motivated, he reminds them that their hard work now will pay off in the long run, especially for those aiming to join Varsity in the future. “For Varsity players, the big goal might be winning the league or going deep into the playoffs. For JV players, the goal is to get to the next level. If they stay focused and push themselves, they’ll get there.”
His biggest advice to young players? “Get out and play on your own. Tennis is one of the easiest sports to practice outside of team practice. The more time you spend on the court, the better you’ll be.”
