Back-to-Back Champs: Hopewell Boys Tennis Team Honored for Second Straight State Title

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The Hopewell Valley Central High School boys varsity tennis team was honored Monday night as the Board of Education recognized the Bulldogs for capturing their second consecutive Group II state championship.

“Both of their seasons were a showcase of talent, dedication and teamwork,” said Athletic Director Tripp Becker. “But what truly stands out is their character. These young men played with integrity, treated their opponents with respect, and supported each other every step of the way.”

Coach Dave Burchell, who led the team to both titles, was also honored last year for being named the 2024 New Jersey Tennis Coach of the Year. Becker credited Burchell’s mentorship and leadership, calling the team “more than just champions — they are role models.”

Burchell emphasized the program’s focus on academics and long-term character development. “Our players are students first and athletes second,” he said. “All the lessons that they’ve learned on the court I think are going to carry through for life… The people standing up here with you now will probably be your friends for the rest of your lives.”

With only one senior graduating, Burchell said the team will return nearly intact next season. “We’re going to try to work even harder both on and off the court.”

Among the players recognized were team MVP Eshaan Doshi, praised by Burchell for taking on the toughest matchups and elevating his teammates’ opportunities. “He played with a lot of character, courage,” Burchell said. “Everyone got to play an easier opponent because of this young man.”

Other honored players on the team were Danyal Rizavi, Kevin Gu, Kaito Mahon, Andrew Hou, Zach Weisenfeld, Manas Sinha, Amal Parikh, Luke Poltrino, Om Sharma, Lucas Dorsky, Maxime Dubois, Chase Miller, and Gabriel Golgov. Assistant coach Gary Gall was also recognized, with Burchell joking, “Here at Hopewell, we have two grandfather figures. It makes us so good.”

Board member Dhruv Kapadia, a former player under Burchell, commended the program’s values: “Every year… the first question Coach B would always ask us is, ‘Are you doing well in school?’ He made us all stronger individuals — both as students, as athletes, and as people.”

Board President Anita Williams Galiano added, “Incredible accomplishment. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Additional reporting from Monday night’s Board of Education meeting — including more discussion on the likely referendum — will appear later this week on MercerMe.