Carmel residents play key role in Brebeuf State boys tennis title • Latest release

Not only did the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School boys tennis team win its first IHSAA state championship in 51 years, but coach Brandon Gill made history of his own.

The Carmel resident was the first person to win singles and doubles state championships as a player and a state title as a coach.

Gill, who played at Park Tudor School, won the 2000 state singles title and the 1998 state doubles title with Wade Knall.

The No. 1 Braves defeated No. 4 Center Grove 3-2 in the state championship on Oct. 19 at North Central High School.

“It’s amazing. “The boys tried hard,” said Gill. “Honestly, we put a lot into it this year. We felt like this season lasted five months. I feel like this is all about the boys. I just tried to show them the way and they kicked in the door. I’m just so happy for her.”

Gill said the Braves knew how good Center Grove was from Brebeuf’s 3-2 win last month.

“They have a great team and great coaches,” Gill said.

In a 2-2 draw, Tony Tancredi took the winning point in No. 2 singles, beating Yuvraj Dasari 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

“It was great,” said Tancredi, a Carmel resident. “It was exciting for me and my team, all the seniors and the coaches.”

Tancredi played No. 1 singles most of the year before switching spots with senior Will Hutchison.

Tancredi said it was special after losing 3-2 to Park Tudor in the sectional. The score was 2-2 when Tancredi lost his match.

“Last year wasn’t the best and it helped me get here,” Tancredi said.

Brebeuf’s other victories in the final went to Owen Birge at No. 3 in singles and Andrew Held and Harry Stutler at No. 2 in doubles.

“These guys are all about resiliency,” Gill said. “We talked about commitment over emotions and about being as calm as possible in the big moments and they showed that today. We just found a way again.”

Gill said when he became coach 11 years ago, he wanted to bring professionalism back to the program.

“It takes time, but slowly but surely. I think we’ve built the program back up to where we can compete and have kids that want to play here,” Gill said.