COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. (October 4, 2023) – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) has named Collierville High School boys and girls tennis coach Tony Cherone the 2023 USPTA High School Coach of the Year. The USPTA High School Coach of the Year recognizes USPTA certified professionals for their achievements as high school tennis coaches. Cherone was recognized at the 2023 USPTA World Conference in Orlando, Fla.

“Tony has taken the Collierville High School tennis program to the next level,” said District Athletic Director Jeff Curtis. “The combination of player development and winning culture has been key to his success. It starts with the middle school program that he oversees and continues at the high school. He handles our diverse group of students as well as anyone I have ever seen. I could not be happier for Tony.”

In the spring of 2023, Cherone guided the Collierville High School boys tennis team to another unprecedented season as the Dragons claimed the TSSAA Division I Class AA team, doubles, and singles state championships. It was the second-straight team title for the Dragons, as well as the second-straight doubles title. Collierville’s Ranjay Arul won the singles title for the third consecutive season after coasting through the championship bracket without dropping a set. 

Following the team victory, the CHS doubles pairing of Carter Amaba and Ajay Arul rallied to win the doubles title with a thrilling 6-4, 0-6, 6-1 victory over William Blount High School. Ajay Arul and Tristian Kelly earned Collierville’s first doubles title in 2022.

Collierville’s Ella De Jesus made a semifinal appearance on the girls side of the TSSAA State Championship before falling to the eventual state champion.