BOYS VARSITY TENNIS LEVELS UP
The boys varsity tennis season is underway, and this year, the competition is fierce. After winning the state title in Division 4 last year, the Greenhills team made the choice to move up to Division 3 in search of stronger competition. That’s just what they’ve found, and a deep roster of talented players, work ethic, and positive team culture are keeping the Gryphons one of the best teams in the state.
“We’re facing schools with bigger enrollment that have highly competitive student athletes, and the boys on the team are eager to face this new level of challenge,” says Head Coach Eric Gajar, who is also Greenhills’ enrollment director, an advisor, and a former math teacher.
This season’s toughest competition is expected from Cranbrook and Detroit Country Day School (DCDS), who are ranked numbers one and two, respectively. Greenhills is currently ranked third, with six wins, three losses, and one tie. One of those losses was to Cranbrook in a hard-fought, injury-impacted battle that came down to the last match of the day. The Gryphons face off against DCDS on September 24, and then will see both teams again in the postseason.
To meet the increased level of competition, the Gryphons have been spending their practices wisely, focusing on implementing more aggressive strategies, like being more active at the net, and training the five newest varsity players to become competition-ready. Players to watch include senior co-captain Kabir Rajendra, who is playing number one doubles alongside sophomore William Pearce, senior Teddy Staebler who is playing number one singles, and co-captain Ajay Purohit, a junior who is playing number two doubles with fellow junior Charlie Rich.
Being a Gryphon tennis player isn’t just about competing on the court—it’s also about learning how to be resilient, work hard, and serve as good teammates and ambassadors for the school. Returning players in particular have an important role to play, which includes passing down the culture of kindness, inclusivity, and sportsmanship they experienced as first-time players.
“It’s fun to welcome new players and see how quickly they acclimate to being part of the program,” says Gajar. “Once we get through the tryouts and start competing against other schools, the team really unites.”
Team identity and a sense of unity are hallmarks of the Greenhills tennis program. Athletes spend time together outside of games and practices, often having dinner together and inviting families to join.
This season, the Gryphons look to extend their five-year undefeated streak against Ann Arbor schools as they take on city rival Ann Arbor Huron at Huron on October 1, Ann Arbor Skyline on October 3, and Ann Arbor Pioneer on October 15. They will be competing in the Catholic League Championship on September 28, the regional championship—which Greenhills is hosting—on October 10, and the state tournament on October 18 and 19.
Gajar hopes his players graduate Greenhills with an interest in continuing to play tennis in college, and beyond. In recent years they’ve done so at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and Swarthmore College.
“It’s fun to welcome our athletes back who have experienced the next level of play to share their experiences,” he says. But whether they go on to play competitive tennis after Greenhills or not, they leave Greenhills with the understanding that the sport is about more than just wins and losses.
Gajar has been coaching the team for the past 30 years. In 2024, he was named Detroit Boys Coach of the Year by USA Today Network, and a National High School Coach of the Year finalist by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. As a tennis player himself, Gajar enjoys building relationships with students and other coaches, competing for titles, and, simply, being outside with student athletes playing the sport he loves.
