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The strains of “Thunder Road’’ blared from speakers last month alongside the tennis courts at American Heritage-Delray. Soon after, during the ceremony for legendary tennis coach Brian Schleifer, “Born to Run” rang out.
These tennis courts in Delray Beach has proven to be a thunderous road to greatness and a massive amount of victories. And yes, Schleifer, a Red Bank, N.J. native and diehard Bruce Springsteen fan, was indeed born to coach.
As of Jan. 22, the American-Heritage courts have been named “Brian Schleifer & Family Tennis Courts” – its blue-and-white sign prominently hanging above the entrance.
Under his direction, the tennis program has won 43 boys and girls combined district titles, 22 state championships, and the boys’ national title in 2023.
The Stallions boys team enter the 2026 season that began Feb. 3 as the No. 1 team in the nation, based on UTR rankings.
Last season: American Heritage-Delray captures Class 2A FHSAA state tennis championship
More than 100 people attended the event, including his current teams, past teams, a host of family members and legendary tennis coaches Reid Rafter (Saint Andrew’s) and Scott Williams (formerly of King’s Academy).
“I’m just so grateful, appreciative and it means a lot,’’ Schleifer said days later. “I was excited I was able to share that special day with so many family, friends, players, former players. It’s definitely a special place for me.’’
During Schleifer’s speech, he turned reflective.
“I was watching an interview with a football coach not too long ago,’’ Schleifer said from a miked-up podium. “He said something that resonated with me. He said the two most important days in a person’s life are the day they’re born and the day they realize the purpose for being born. It is so gratifying for me and special to have found my purpose here at American Heritage.
“It really has been a group effort. Seeing my players here, past and current, that’s the thing that keeps me going, inspires me so much.’’
Schleifer, who graduated from Spanish River after leaving New Jersey, has earned Coach of the Year honors more than 30 times from various periodicals, including the Palm Beach Post.
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is tennis is a sport built on individual accountability and team trust,’’ athletic director, Dr. Christine Shahan said. “It’s about focus, reliance and respect – all values coach Schleifer has consistently modeled and championed. From this day forward, every student athlete who steps on these courts will do so surrounded by that legacy.’’
Headmaster Robert Stone called Schiefer’s 30-year stint “a fairytale.’’ “He always did it with a smile and calm,’’ Stone said. “He was successful but humble.’’
The three-timedefending state champions should only continue its dynasty in 2026 with “a fourpeat’’ a distinct possibility.
Red-hot sophomore Geoff Kosseiffi moves up from 3 to 1 singles, supplanting the wildly successful Ajinkya Karnataki. He and Yanni Anagnostopoulos will rotate between 2 and 3.
Sophomore Misha LiBerzon, Karl Volles and James Scholer will make up the back end of the singles lineup. The girls team will also be strong, led by sophomore Mehar Kauri and Norah Smucker.
All of the tennis stars are on campus, attending classes. A handful of state-title caliber programs field teams with players who don’t attend the school for academics.
“No home schoolers,’’ Schleifer said. “It’s against everything we’re trying to do. You have to be enrolled as a student to be able to play.’’
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: American Heritage-Delray names courts after legendary coach Brian Schleifer
Continue reading...
These tennis courts in Delray Beach has proven to be a thunderous road to greatness and a massive amount of victories. And yes, Schleifer, a Red Bank, N.J. native and diehard Bruce Springsteen fan, was indeed born to coach.
As of Jan. 22, the American-Heritage courts have been named “Brian Schleifer & Family Tennis Courts” – its blue-and-white sign prominently hanging above the entrance.
Under his direction, the tennis program has won 43 boys and girls combined district titles, 22 state championships, and the boys’ national title in 2023.
The Stallions boys team enter the 2026 season that began Feb. 3 as the No. 1 team in the nation, based on UTR rankings.
Last season: American Heritage-Delray captures Class 2A FHSAA state tennis championship
More than 100 people attended the event, including his current teams, past teams, a host of family members and legendary tennis coaches Reid Rafter (Saint Andrew’s) and Scott Williams (formerly of King’s Academy).
“I’m just so grateful, appreciative and it means a lot,’’ Schleifer said days later. “I was excited I was able to share that special day with so many family, friends, players, former players. It’s definitely a special place for me.’’
During Schleifer’s speech, he turned reflective.
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“I was watching an interview with a football coach not too long ago,’’ Schleifer said from a miked-up podium. “He said something that resonated with me. He said the two most important days in a person’s life are the day they’re born and the day they realize the purpose for being born. It is so gratifying for me and special to have found my purpose here at American Heritage.
“It really has been a group effort. Seeing my players here, past and current, that’s the thing that keeps me going, inspires me so much.’’
Schleifer, who graduated from Spanish River after leaving New Jersey, has earned Coach of the Year honors more than 30 times from various periodicals, including the Palm Beach Post.
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is tennis is a sport built on individual accountability and team trust,’’ athletic director, Dr. Christine Shahan said. “It’s about focus, reliance and respect – all values coach Schleifer has consistently modeled and championed. From this day forward, every student athlete who steps on these courts will do so surrounded by that legacy.’’
You must be registered for see images attach
Headmaster Robert Stone called Schiefer’s 30-year stint “a fairytale.’’ “He always did it with a smile and calm,’’ Stone said. “He was successful but humble.’’
The three-timedefending state champions should only continue its dynasty in 2026 with “a fourpeat’’ a distinct possibility.
Red-hot sophomore Geoff Kosseiffi moves up from 3 to 1 singles, supplanting the wildly successful Ajinkya Karnataki. He and Yanni Anagnostopoulos will rotate between 2 and 3.
Sophomore Misha LiBerzon, Karl Volles and James Scholer will make up the back end of the singles lineup. The girls team will also be strong, led by sophomore Mehar Kauri and Norah Smucker.
All of the tennis stars are on campus, attending classes. A handful of state-title caliber programs field teams with players who don’t attend the school for academics.
“No home schoolers,’’ Schleifer said. “It’s against everything we’re trying to do. You have to be enrolled as a student to be able to play.’’
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: American Heritage-Delray names courts after legendary coach Brian Schleifer
Continue reading...
