Tennis has a long and rich history at Thacher. The brother of school founder William was a collegiate player at Yale had led his team to the national tournament in singles and doubles. As he arrived to campus in 1885 to support Sherman Day, it took little time for tennis to one of  the most popular sports at school and throughout the Ojai Valley. In fact, William is credited as being the founder of the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament, the oldest amateur tennis tournament in the United States, which to this day remains the largest amateur tennis tournament in the country. For a few days each spring, Thacher’s hardcourts play host to some of the best junior players in California—some of whom have gone on to play Division 1 college tennis and even win Grand Slam Titles. 

Boys' Tennis has has done well in recent years adding to that rich history, becoming Division 6 CIF Champions last season, Division 5 semi finalist in 2025, and quarterfinalist in Division 4 in 2023.

Ojai’s wonderful weather and picturesque scenery provides a great setting for year-round play, whether the occasion is just hitting with friends or a varsity level match playing in the highly competitive Southern Section of the California Interscholastic Federation. With a full JV and varsity schedule, the tennis program has a home for players who are just learning the sport as well as high performers. The program's culture of sportsmanship, camaraderie and a willingness to fight for every ball, makes playing tennis an exciting and enjoyable experience for all. 


About Coach Emanuel: 
Despite growing up in Ojai, one of America's best tennis towns, Etienne came to the game in his 20s. While serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine, he became a hitting partner with the director of the school where he coached and taught P.E. He played daily with a circuit of players that sometimes had to shovel snow to clear the courts. From there, a love for the game grew and still continues to this day. Coach Emanuel plays USTA leagues and tournaments, and he has coached for several years, including the Weil Tennis Academy. While coaching at Thacher, Coach Emanuel also works with the Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament teaching and preparing Thacher 10th graders to be ball kids for the “The Ojai” each spring when the tournament comes to town.