As the overhead lights flicker on, illuminating the court, the crowd grows silent. A spotlight falls on senior Jacob Pimentel. Fresno winds coast along the court. The tennis ball bounces up and down from court to hand as the racket retreats behind his shoulder, and his arm tenses. Spectators hold their breath as Pimentel tosses the ball in the air and with one force, the ball meets the racket.
Pimentel is a standout athlete on the Fresno Christian Boys’ Tennis team. The team swings into their 2025 season, returning after two monumental years of championships, now setting their sights on achieving a three-peat. This season is special for the previous champions as for most, it’s their last. The boy’s team this year is comprised of a majority of seniors, leaving everything on the court for one last season.
Nathan Bridges, ’25, has also played on the team for four years.
“Freshman year, most of us were on the team, it’s cool to see how we’ve all stuck with it now, being the six seniors leading it,” Bridges said. “I think with a majority of us being seniors who were a part of the previous championship teams brings a lot of experience.”
Boys Tennis is one of the few FC teams to achieve a spot in the CIF D3 category, the highest division an FC sport has ever been in, setting the bar further for future teams to strive for. With previous years’ experience, a three-peat seems in reach.
Pimentel, ’25, has taken on a mentoring role, passing the racket and encouragement down to the underclassmen.
“This year, my role on the team as a senior is to help pass the torch to our up-and-coming freshman whether that be coaching or hitting with them,” Pimentel said. “I’m just doing whatever I can to help them improve as much as possible this season.”
Coach Robert Foshee has been a vital part of Fresno Christian’s athletics department for 27 years coaching various sports from soccer to tennis, within that time achieving the astonishing accolade of over 500 wins. Foshee has great expectations for the 2025 season.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the players use their gifts for God, see them excel on the court, and see them continue to mature and grow as a player and a person,” Foshee said.
Eagle’s first game is Feb. 18 at Clovis East High School, go support your boy’s tennis team!
For further information on scheduling and tennis matches, check out our sports schedule.
For more from The Feather, read PROMO: Boys volleyball strives for court dominion or [Video] Students gather for winter sports rally.
