As the reigning Class A champions, Boys’ Tennis looks to repeat the same dominance this year with the support of Assistant Coach Winston Leong. Leong notably took charge of the team in the absence of Head Coach Leon Calleja during the team’s recent trip to Tampa, Florida, over spring break.
As an Assistant Coach, Leong helps with numerous aspects of the program. While providing technical and mental advice, Leong also supports the team in matches and practices. He discussed the importance of encouraging players and maintaining morale.
“The team is so good, and the boys are so developed technically and physically that in terms of instruction, there’s not too much to do. A lot of it is just being their biggest supporter during matches and during practices. We think that’s the biggest thing, just helping them mentally and emotionally through matches because, in tennis, you’re alone out there… They need motivation and encouragement, and when you’re down, you got to pick them up, and when they’re up, you got to keep them up,” said Leong.
Jeff Shen ’26 expressed deep appreciation for Leong’s emotional and mental support. Shen described how Leong went above and beyond as an Assistant Coach, especially during the team’s preseason trip to Florida.
“He does a lot more than what would be expected of an Assistant Coach. He’s always there at practice, helping us with the technicals, timing a drill or even giving out some pointers from time to time. It’s always good to have a second opinion. Honestly, it was really helpful during our preseason trip… He organized activities behind the scenes and was a really helpful Assistant Coach in general. He does his job very well, and we appreciate him a lot,” said Shen.
Shen added that Leong’s enthusiasm motivates the team for the match ahead and in tough moments. He notes that Leong’s competitiveness and experience have pushed the team to the next level.
“He’s super competitive. Even during preseason, he’s always there to push us. During set breaks, he talks to us on the bench and helps us get prepared for the match ahead, and it is really helpful. He does bring that motivation to the table in a way that… you know you’re going to be pumped and ready before that match. He’s successful in that way and motivates us to play our best tennis and hit that next level,” said Shen.
With the team facing many strong opponents in the season ahead, Leong noted that the coaching staff constantly adapts their strategic plan for the team. He emphasized the focus on developing a strong mentality before the game, given the team’s high level of technical skill.
Leong said, “You look at your opponents, and you see what they bring to the table, and then you adjust your game plan. We are so strong technically and mechanically, so it is important to get everyone’s heads in the right place. Since we are so technically gifted, our mentality is most important, so we can be ready on game day and go out and compete.”
Shen described Leong’s immense impact on the team, expressing how Leong’s dedication and hard work contributed to a successful preseason trip.
“Coach Leong is a great example of an assistant coach. With some teams, players and the Head Coaches overlook the role of Assistant Coach… but it’s difficult to overstate the impact that Coach Leong has had on us and on our team. He’s been super helpful behind the scenes doing what we wouldn’t want to be doing, [and] working with the captains and giving us this great and super gratifying preseason experience. Coach Leong really shows that players should value our coaches more,” said Shen
