By: Kiki Troilo Friends’ Central School
PHILADELPHIA- The 2025 Friends School League boys’ tennis season looks like it is going to be a memorable one. Powerhouse teams filled with strong players are set to go head-to-head throughout a two-month season. There is a big schedule of matches ahead and a lot of playing to look forward to.
Returning champions, Friends’ Central (FCS) are looking for a repeat of their title last season. Although it might seem like a hit on their lineup from last year losing Wes Bozman and Kalyan Satti, the class of 2028 is taking over. Upcoming freshman Ameya Punathambekar, Axel Bauriedel (returning player), and Kyle Cilli are ready to represent the Phoenix. Seniors Ezra Raphael, Nichols College commit, and number 1 singles Luke Cilli are looking to come up with another championship title as well.
In 2024, Friends’ Central defeated the 6-time defending champions Germantown Friends (GFS) who up until the final, held a 7-0 in league record. After losing to Germantown in the regular season, the Phoenix put everything they had out there on the court during that final. It was their first title since 2015 and their goal this season is to repeat the victory once again.
Friends' Central 2024 FSL Defending Champions (Photo/ FCS Athletics)
Germantown Friends 2024 PAISAA Champions (PSD photo by Allie Riches)
Meanwhile, Germantown Friends are looking for retribution. After going undefeated during the regular season, they took a hard-fought loss in the Friends League final to Friends’ Central. However, they finished their 2024 spring season with a big win over FCS at the PAISSA semis leading to a win over the Haverford School securing the state championship. They are in quest of a Friends League title in 2025. The team is led by seniors Benedict Tessler, Trevor Zurcher, Joseph Helfrich, and Sam Bekelman who are all looking to go out with a bang this season. On top of all the seniors, be sure to keep an eye out for 8th grader Henry Mather who is looking to make waves in the league during his debut season.
Setting the big rivalry of Germantown Friends and Friends’ Central aside, Barrack Academy is very much so in the picture. They had a strong season last year, making it into the playoffs and competing valiantly in the semifinals against GFS. Their team is led by senior Zach Tamarkin who is trying to bring his team to victory at second singles. Tamarkin is followed by returning player Yosef Nisimi, playing first singles, who is in search of a title after shaking up the league as just a freshman last season.
Shipley School is also in the run for the championship. They had a good season last year after making it into the playoffs. They faced Friends’ Central in the semifinals but fought the powerhouse team with a lot of grit. Senior Brody Ladda is looking to make a good run again this year, hopefully leading his team to a title. Another freshman star last year was Leo Sun, and he is going to be a player to keep an eye out for this upcoming season.
Westtown, George School, Abington Friends, and Friends Select are ready to show off their talents on the court as well. These 4 teams may have failed to make the FSL playoffs last season, but they still consist of solid players. They are also able to compete with one another in the Friends League Quaker Cup with one last chance to take home a victory at the end of each season.
There are a lot of unanswered questions about the season ahead. Will Friends’ Central successfully defend their title? Will Germantown Friends take over the Friends League once again? Or will a new champion emerge. Throughout the next 2 months of a loaded regular season schedule followed by a week of playoffs, all these questions will be answered.