By Ally Lenguyen, Staff Writer
Fountain Valley High School tennis coach, Harshul Patel, was chosen by the United States Professional Tennis Association for the “Coach of the Year” award for his work and contributions to not only tennis, but to the team and students at FVHS.
The USPTA, California division, covers a majority of the schools on the West Coast, ranging from schools in San Diego to schools in San Luis Obispo- covering a total of around 3,000 schools and 4,000 coaches.
Every division of tennis is considered. This includes head coaches from single girls teams, to head coaches of boys and girls teams. Files and applications are then sent in by the schools’ athletic departments.
Officials and boards decide on the recipient of the award by looking over the files and histories of accomplishments done by the coaches over the year and also a supporting track from the accomplishments of the year before.
“I feel great,” said Patel. “It’s one of the best awards. You’re talking about close to 4,000 plus coaches, head coaches and you’re one of the best ones.”
During the process, a committee of eight members vote for the recipient of the award. However, the vote was unanimously in Patel’s favor as he later discovered.
Patel also claims that he could not have won this award without the team, and all the members of tennis at FVHS. Considering the idea that the team helps makes the coach, the success of the teams’ drive and hard work is what has reflected so well on his skills as a coach. Patel has also begun to offer additional programs for tennis, and recreational lessons on Fridays for locals interested in participating.
“Without [the tennis players] I wouldn’t be here,” said Patel. “Without their help and support, I wouldn’t have been where I am, and I’m very thankful for that.”
