Two-Team Tennis Title Defense Begins This Fall

Kent Denver was already a major player in Colorado high school tennis. The boys team had just won its third consecutive state championship in the fall—bringing the number to 13 state titles in school history, all within the last 25 years. 

Then six months later, in thrilling fashion, the girls team cemented the school as the premier tennis program in Colorado, as the Sun Devils beat Cheyenne Mountain 4-3 in the state title match to win its first team championship in nearly 20 years. 

“That moment was something I’ll never forget,” said Girls Tennis Coach Tyffani Thomas, who was named the CHSAA 4A Coach of the Year after the season. “It was so special getting to experience the celebration with our girls and seeing all of their hard work come to fruition.” 

“It was really cool being there and seeing the girls win,” said Boys Tennis Coach and 4A Boys Tennis Coach of the Year Ian Hintz, who took over Kent Denver’s defending championship team in the fall of 2022 and proceeded to win two more titles in his first two seasons. “Tennis is a healthy sport statewide in Colorado, and it’s neat that Kent Denver has been and continues to be a powerhouse. I hope that becomes the norm every year.”

The last time both the Kent Denver boys and girls tennis teams were at the top of the sport like this was in 2005. That was the last year the girls won a state championship, and it was also the last year of what was a pretty spectacular dynasty—one that featured four consecutive state titles for the girls team and five in seven years dating back to 1999. 

The Sun Devils are hoping that this year’s victory is the start of yet another string of dominance. As is often the case in high school athletics, success breeds more success. 

“Outside of their team success on the court, our tennis programs are modeling what it looks like to help student-athletes develop throughout high school—simultaneously providing players the skills they need to potentially compete at the next level, while also helping them find a lifelong passion for the sport,” said Athletic Director Jeff Hollway. “It’s just a really exciting time for our athletic program.”

The buzz for tennis at Kent Denver has rarely been higher than it is right now.

“When you win like this, there’s an excitement within the student body,” Hintz said. “More students want to play tennis and then your success builds on itself. I hope that’s how Kent Denver stays as a powerhouse.”

The boys team brings back a senior-heavy roster to the fall 2024 season. On the girls team, all but two of last year’s state championship contributors return, including 4A Player of the Year Lila Moldenhauer ’25. 

It’s fair to say that both teams enter the 2024-25 seasons as the favorites in their respective classifications. 

“I always emphasize to our group to have fun,” said Coach Hintz. “Fun relates to winning, and we had fun all year.” 

Both teams are hoping for a lot more fun in the months ahead.