Hoboken High School Girls Varsity Tennis Team Wins Back-To-Back HCIAL Championships

Press release from Hoboken Public School District:

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken High School Girls Varsity Tennis Team Wins Back-to-Back HCIAL Championships

Hoboken, NJ — The Hoboken High School Girls Varsity Tennis Team has made history once again, securing its second consecutive Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League (HCIAL) Championship with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Bayonne at Lincoln Park in Jersey City.

This remarkable back-to-back title marks an extraordinary milestone for a program that, just five years ago, was revived after a long period of inactivity and limited participation. What began as a small group of student-athletes determined to bring tennis back to Hoboken has evolved into a county powerhouse—a testament to their perseverance, teamwork, and the unwavering support of the Hoboken community.

“Winning back-to-back county championships has been an incredible whirlwind,” said Head Coach Diana Rienzo. “It’s a true reflection of our players’ hard work, dedication, and pride in representing Hoboken. Their commitment to each other and to the community has been the driving force behind our success, along with the unwavering support from our coaches, families, and the entire Hoboken community.”

Rienzo highlighted the team’s resilience following the graduation of four senior leaders from last year’s championship roster. “After losing those seniors, several players stepped up in incredible ways,” she explained. “Sylvie Strell moved up to second singles, and Lila McDonough transitioned to third singles, earning the most wins on the team. Our doubles teams, consisting of Maya Mankoff and freshman Maddie Calingasan at first doubles, and seniors Abigail Foux and Sasha Mechaley at second doubles, showed tremendous growth and consistency. Even the players not in our regular lineup are always ready to step in and give their all. We’re already looking forward to next season, when those players who have been patiently waiting for their moment will get the chance to shine.”

The championship match itself was a showcase of poise, persistence, and Redwing pride. The decisive third point came down to the wire, with players demonstrating the resilience and sportsmanship that have come to define the program.

Athletic Director Jack Baker praised the team’s rise as a model for program-building and student leadership: “The growth of girls tennis at Hoboken High School represents the best of what our athletic programs strive for—opportunity, inclusion, and excellence. To go from rebuilding to reigning champions in such a short time speaks volumes about the talent and leadership within this team.”

Principal Robin Piccapietra echoed those sentiments, celebrating both the athletic and personal development of the players: “Championships don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of dedication, discipline, and belief in one another. The entire Hoboken High School community is proud of our Redwing champions.”

As the Redwings celebrate their second-straight HCIAL title, they continue to inspire future student-athletes throughout Hoboken. What began as a comeback story has transformed into a legacy of excellence—one built on teamwork, grit, and the enduring spirit of Redwing pride.

This press release was produced by Hoboken Public School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.