Florida High School Tennis 2026: Powerhouses, Rising Stars, and a Season Full of Fireworks
The 2026 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) tennis season is officially in full swing, and with over 1,000 boys’ and girls’ teams competing across the state, the race for a state championship is on. From defending dynasties to ambitious challengers, the next few months promise fierce matchups, breakout performances, and plenty of drama on the courts.
Four Classes, One Goal: A State Title
Florida high school tennis is as deep and competitive as it gets. Teams compete in four classifications - 1A through 4A - based on school size, not skill level. So whether you’re a small private school or a large public powerhouse, the path to a championship is earned the hard way.
Each classification will crown a team champion, but the season isn’t just about team glory. The state’s top individual players will also battle it out for the Overall Singles and Doubles Championships - a stage where future college stars often shine brightest.
The road to glory begins with District Tournaments on April 13, followed by Regional rounds on April 21 and 23. Then it all culminates in the FHSAA State Championships from April 27 to May 1, held once again at Sanlando Park, Red Bug Lake Park, and Sylvan Lake Park in Seminole County - venues that have seen their fair share of unforgettable moments.
Let’s break down what to expect in each class.
Class 1A: True North Academy Sets the Bar
True North Academy isn’t just defending a title - they’re defending two. After sweeping both the boys’ and girls’ state championships last season, the program enters 2026 as the gold standard in 1A tennis.
But the competition is coming hard.
On the boys’ side, Saint Andrew’s is locked in on redemption. After finishing as runners-up last year, they return Rafael Bote - the reigning singles state champ and a player who’s already proven he can carry a team deep into the postseason. Saint Andrew’s had a five-year championship run not long ago, and with Bote leading the charge, they’re aiming to get back on top.
Don’t sleep on Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Community School of Naples, or Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy either. All three have the depth and experience to make serious noise.
For the girls, True North’s dominance is undeniable, but they won’t have a free ride. Grandview Prep, Benjamin, and Saint Andrew’s all had strong postseason runs last year and are looking to close the gap. Expect a tight race, especially if any of those teams can find a hot hand in singles play.
Class 2A: American Heritage Keeps Raising the Bar
If you follow Florida high school tennis, you know the name American Heritage carries weight - and for good reason.
On the boys’ side, American Heritage Delray is chasing a fourth straight title after capturing the 2025 crown with another commanding performance. They come into this season as the team to beat, but the field is catching up. Bolles, Gulliver Prep, and Aubrey Rogers all flashed serious potential at last year’s championships and could be ready to close the gap.
For the girls, it’s American Heritage Plantation that wears the crown - and they’re not looking to give it up. After winning last year’s title, they return to a 2A field that’s deep and dangerous. With several programs reloading and hungry to knock off the champs, expect some fireworks in April.
Class 3A: Osceola and Nease Take Center Stage
Class 3A delivered some of the most thrilling tennis of the 2025 postseason, and 2026 is shaping up to be no different.
Osceola’s boys were the class of the field last year, thanks to the dynamic duo of Alessandro De Bernardo and Alexander Rangelov. Both were dominant in singles and lethal in doubles - a one-two punch that powered Osceola to a title.
If they’re back this year, Osceola instantly becomes the favorite again. But don’t count out Chiles, St.
Thomas Aquinas, Nease, or Ponte Vedra - all have the talent to make a run.
On the girls’ side, Nease delivered one of the best stories of 2025. The Panthers captured their first state title since 1997, led by Kylie Kochis, who not only helped secure the team crown but also walked away with the overall singles title.
With Kochis now graduated, the spotlight shifts to Nease’s younger core. Can they keep the momentum rolling?
Jensen Beach, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Niceville will be right there looking to take advantage if Nease stumbles.
Class 4A: Wide Open and Loaded with Talent
If you’re looking for unpredictability, Class 4A is where it’s at.
Lake Nona’s boys broke through in dramatic fashion last year, winning the title with a clutch 10-point tiebreaker on the top line to edge out Doral Academy. That kind of finish is the stuff of legends - and it sets the stage for a wild 2026. Doral Academy will be out for revenge, while Cypress Bay, Spanish River, West Boca Raton, Steinbrenner, and Winter Park all have the depth to crash the party.
On the girls’ side, Miami Palmetto reclaimed the 4A crown last year, with Catherin Cardona-Carballosa sealing the deal in a third-set tiebreaker. It was their second title in three years, and they’ll be tough to unseat.
But the challengers are circling. Lake Nona, Wellington, Cypress Bay, and Winter Park all have rosters built to contend.
Wellington, in particular, could be a sleeper - they made the state semifinals last year and return a strong core.
Looking Ahead: Dynasties, Breakouts, and Everything in Between
Last season saw new champions rise and familiar names reassert their dominance. This year? It’s anyone’s guess.
Will True North and American Heritage continue their reigns? Can programs like Nease and Lake Nona build on last year’s magic? And which young stars will emerge to take over the spotlight?
One thing’s for sure: the 2026 FHSAA tennis season is already buzzing with potential. From the early district rounds to the final points in Seminole County, expect a season packed with intensity, talent, and unforgettable moments. Florida high school tennis is in a golden era - and this year might just be the best chapter yet.