A constant presence on and off the courts, Kevin Niu ’25 leads the Boys’ Tennis team with enthusiasm and a solid sense of duty. As Co-captain, he has helped build a cohesive, goal-driven team culture rooted in shared passion and encouragement.
Niu made the Varsity team his Junior year and quickly envisioned himself as a leader. While there wasn’t a definite moment when he decided to become captain, he recalls gaining momentum during his Lower year.
“I like being a captain. To me, it’s about creating connections with the team, it’s almost like cultivating a team atmosphere—a good space to communicate. I’d already contributed to that during my Lower year, and I wanted to keep it going,” said Niu.
For Niu, leadership goes beyond pregame speeches and lineups. His approach focuses on community, ensuring every player, regardless of age or ranking, feels included and valued.
“This year our newest addition is George, a Lower, we’ve all made an effort to get to know him. I remember doing the same with new recruits last year—eating dinner with them, introducing them to the team vibe. That’s something I hope continues even after I graduate,” said Niu.
Teammate Jacob Pletka ’27 highlighted Niu’s behind-the-scenes dedication to ensure the team has what it needs to succeed. According to Pletka, these unnoticed efforts hold the team together.
“He’s always helping out, whether that’s making sure we have fresh tennis balls or getting food before matches, he puts a lot of hard work and effort into everything. That support really goes a long way,” said Pletka.
Niu noted that his Co-captain Chase sets a high bar for performance, while he focuses more on team spirit and energy.
“I get the team hyped, Chase brings the focus, the drive. I try to balance that with energy—keeping the team fired up and connected. It’s not a group project; we just read the vibe and step in where needed,” said Niu.
Jeff Shen ’26 noted Niu’s empathy and emotional awareness, describing him as someone who knows when to offer advice and when to give space.
“Kevin is always there for you, whether it’s life or tennis, he knows how to support you. His leadership is really about understanding what people need and showing up in that way,” said Shen.
Though tennis is often seen as an individual sport, Niu embraces the team aspect, andhas worked to reframe it as a collective and collaborative experience.
“Everyone comes in with a background in individual tennis—[United States Tennis Association] USTA tournaments, it’s all you, but once you get to high school, it’s a team sport. If you’re losing to someone on your own team, it just means you’re on a good team. I hope everyone remembers that,” said Niu.
Reflecting on Niu’s advice, Shen recalled a time when Niu told him not to overthink. With his advice, Niu was able to elevate Shen’s mentality and, in turn, his overall game.
“After matches or practice, I’ve walked with him a lot. Something he told me that really stuck was simple: ‘Don’t overthink it.’ That’s advice a lot of people could use, especially at a place like this where there’s always so much going on. With tennis, which I tell a lot of people is more mental than anything, you can have all the tools, a great serve, strong fitness, all the shots. But if your mental game isn’t solid, that’s what separates you from top players. Kevin gets that. When you step on the court, his advice is ‘Don’t overthink. Play your game.’ Believe you’re the better player. That mindset has been invaluable for me, both on and off the court,” said Shen.
As he prepares to pass the torch, Niu hopes future captains will continue fostering a welcoming, team-oriented environment. His message is simple but powerful: Don’t forget why you’re playing, and never underestimate the power of connection.
