Breaking through the competition
High school tennis in Florida remains among the most competitive in the country. Teams compete in four classifications (1A-4A) based on school population, not skill level. 1A schools have the smallest student population, while 4A schools represent the largest. A team champion is crowned at each classification, while the state’s top individual players compete for the overall singles and doubles championships.
The district tournaments begin on April 13, followed by regional tournaments on April 21 and 23. The FHSAA State Championships run from April 27 to May 1 at Sanlando Park, Red Bug Lake Park and Sylvan Lake Park in Seminole County, returning to the same Central Florida locations that have hosted exciting championship action in recent years.
Class 1A: Can anyone attend True North Academy?
True North Academy made history last season, capturing both the boys and girls team titles. The program has quickly become one of the most dominant forces in 1A and will enter 2026 with a target on its back.
Saint Andrew’s will be the biggest challenger on the boys’ side. The Scots were runners-up in 1A last year and return Rafael Bote, who captured the state singles title as a sophomore. Bote and Saint Andrew’s will be hungry to regain the crown the program has held for five consecutive years. Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Community School of Naples and Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy are also worth looking into. For the girls, True North looks to keep the dynasty going, while Grandview Prep, Benjamin and Saint Andrew’s could mount a challenge after strong postseason runs a year ago.
Class 2A: American heritage continues to set the standard
The American Heritage brand remains synonymous with 2A success. American Heritage Delray captured the boys title for the third year in a row in 2025, while American Heritage Plantation took home the girls crown. On the boys side, Heritage Delray again emerges as the team to beat, but Bolles, Gulliver Prep and Aubrey Rogers all showed potential at last year’s state championships and will look to close the gap. For the girls, American Heritage Plantation will defend their title against a leaderboard full of competitive squads ready to make a push.
Class 3A: Osceola and Nease lead the way
Class 3A produced some of the most memorable games at last year’s state championships. The Osceola boys captured the title behind standouts Alessandro De Bernardo and Alexander Rangelov, who were a force in both singles and doubles. If the key players return, Osceola will be the team to beat, with Chiles, St. Thomas Aquinas, Nease and Ponte Vedra all capable of making deep runs.
Nease’s girls championship was one of the best stories of 2025. The Panthers captured their first state title since 1997, powered by Kylie Kochis, who dominated the tournament en route to the overall individual singles crown. Now that Kochis has graduated, the question is whether Nease’s young core can keep up the momentum. Jensen Beach, St. Thomas Aquinas and Niceville will all be on the hunt again.
Class 4A: Wide open and full of firepower
Class 4A will once again be the most unpredictable classification. The Lake Nona boys broke through last season and captured the title in dramatic fashion, winning a 10-point tiebreaker on the top line and defeating Doral Academy in the finals. The Lions will try to defend, but Doral Academy, Cypress Bay, Spanish River, West Boca Raton, Steinbrenner and Winter Park all have the talent to make serious title runs.
On the girls side, Miami Palmetto reclaimed the 4A crown last season, with Catherin Cardona-Carballosa capturing the championship in a third-set tiebreaker. It was the program’s second title in three years. Lake Nona, Wellington, Cypress Bay and Winter Park are among the programs that could pose a challenge, with Wellington returning a talented roster after reaching the state semifinals.
2025 FHSAA Team Champions
- 1A Girls: True North Academy | 1A Boys: True North Academy
- 2A Girls: American Heritage Plantation | 2A Boys: American Heritage Delray
- 3A Girls: Nease | 3A Boys: Osceola
- 4A Girls: Miami Palmetto | 4A Boys: Lake Nona
With new champions crowned in multiple classifications last year, the 2026 season promises even more shakeups as young talent emerges and established programs recharge. Whether it’s a dynasty extending its reign or a new competitor breaking through, the 2026 FHSAA tennis season will be one for the books.
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