DEVON PREP 2025 PHILADELPHIA CATHOLIC LEAGUE TENNIS CHAMPIONS
(Photo by Mia Messina for PSD)
By: MIA MESSINA
SPRINGFIELD, PA -- It’s just a kid’s game.
At least that’s what Devon Prep head tennis coach Austin Starczewski has repeatedly told his team. Starczewski believes reminding his players to enjoy the moment is part of what led them to the school’s first ever Philadelphia Catholic League title in any team sport, with a 3-2 win over La Salle College High School.
“They just started to enjoy it and enjoyed the moments,” Starczewski said. “A lot of the seniors, they just enjoyed being here. And I think that made the difference.”
After pulling out a 3-2 win over St. Joe’s Prep on Tuesday night to advance to the championship Starczewski said he wanted his team to enjoy the moment but not make the fact that they beat St. Joe’s Prep for the first time their “big win.” He reminded them at practice on Wednesday that they had to “finish the job” against La Salle.
La Salle quickly notched two wins in both the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles matches. But with a sweep of each of the three singles, Devon Prep was able to secure the title.
To bring home the first title not just in tennis, but across any team for the school was a “pretty good” feeling for Starczewski.
“I'm just really happy for those kids,” Starczewski said. “I have eight seniors on this team. I've got four that played today. We've gotten better and better and have grown and grown. And to finish their senior year with this, they earned it. They really deserved it.”
Match Point from Devon Prep senior Pierce Rohlfing & 2025 PCL Trophy Presentation - PSD Video by Mia Messina
The first of the singles wins came from sophomore Gustav Najdek who has gone undefeated in the Catholic League in No. 3 singles this season.
Starczewski called him a “secure point” the team has been able to count on the whole season.
“I feel like it's my duty to go out there and get a win every day,” Najdek said. “Today was just another one.”
Knowing they had to win all three singles to secure the title, the pressure was on for Najdek and his teammates as they competed in the singles matches.
“My first set, I was feeling okay, and the second set, it was probably the most nervous I've ever felt,” Najdek said. “But I just told myself, just get the ball in, try your hardest, not to miss, move your feet, and it all fell in place from there.”
Devon Prep sophomore Gustav Najdek playing No. 3 singles - PSD Video by Mia Messina
Najdek said it was all about remaining positive in the second set - PSD Video by Mia Messina
The next piece to fall into place was the singles two match where it was senior Chris Rohner’s turn to come up big for Devon Prep.
Devon Prep senior Chris Rohner, No. 2 singles - PSD Photo by Mia Messina
“[Rohner] struggled a little bit this year and had to find his way. He lost to this guy [Alexander Patenko] just two weeks ago and he had to battle in a third set,” Starczewski said. “He really pushed himself a little bit today, and took some chances, and was patient and played a really strong tennis match to get across the finish line.”
Ultimately, it all came down to senior Pierce Rohlfing in the No. 1 singles match.
Rohlfing, also a cross country runner, has had long matches before. Starczewski said he’s been “an Iron Man” since the day he met him.
“He just works, works, and works, and works, and doesn't quit, and that's exactly what we saw,” Starczewski said. “He will fight, literally until the last point, whether he's up or down.”
With the four other matches done, all eyes were on Rohlfing. But he wasn’t letting the pressure get to him.
“I lean on my teammates, I take deep breaths, I focus, I slow pace down, I just play my game,” Rohlfing said.
Devon Prep senior Pierce Rohlfing playing No. 1 singles - PSD Video by Mia Messina
Rohlfing said that he took head coach Austin Starczewski's advice to heart - PSD Video by Mia Messina
To come out on top in his senior year, and to be the first team from Devon Prep to do so was an “overwhelming” feeling for Rohlfing, but ultimately, it meant “everything.”
And he had fun doing it, taking his coach’s advice to heart.
“He told me before this week to just enjoy myself on court and to not take things so seriously,” Rohlfling said. “Tennis is just a game. It's a kids game, that’s what he always says. That's why I try to just play for fun.”
As Rohlfing’s time with Devon Prep comes to an end, he advises the players coming after him to take it all in.
“I encourage players coming in to appreciate every moment with your team and to show gratitude for every opportunity you share not just with your teammates and coaches, but family and opponents as well,” Rohlfing said. “These years go fast in high-school and it will be over before you know it. Enjoy your experiences with this beautiful sport and learn to find balance between that competitiveness and just being happy on the court.”