Highland Park Scots Serve Up 100 years of Tennis indefense of State Record 21st Title

Dallas, TX - - - Highland Park High School has a long and storied tennis tradition.  The school began competing in 1922 and even used to play against SMU’s tennis teamin the early years. In 1946, Highland Park took home its first individual state title, and since then has gone on to capture 54 boy’s and girl’s individual and doubles state titles.  

In 1987, the UIL introduced Team Tennis, and Highland Park has owned it. HP won its first state championship in 1989, and since then has won a state record 21 championships, including five in a row (17 out of the last 19), while making 33 consecutive state tournaments.  

“There is so much tradition at our school, and to know that tennis’ unique success over the last century is a part of that makes it that much more rewarding to be a player in this program,” said Senior Captain and 4-year letterman, Ray Saalfield.

Highland Park has also produced numerous college tennis players throughout the years, with eight former Scots currently playing at the college level.

At the helm is Dan Holden, who has been the head coach for Highland Park for over 20 years. During this time with the Scots, his teams have won 17 of the school’s state championships, and amassed over 400 match wins.  

“Every year the team reshuffles with new players replacing graduating seniors, but we continue to produce the same outcome,” Senior Captain Isabella McKelfreshsaid. “It’s a testament to the dedication and commitment from the players and coaches.”  

The Scots graduated 5 players from the 2020 state title; however, return a core group from last year’s line-up that gained valuable experience in the fall and spring seasons, including spring state runner-up mixed doubles pair of Saalfield & McElfresh, and top 4 Region II showings from Eden Rogoninski and Briana Rees in singles, and Leo Hall and Carl Newell in doubles.

Led by captains, Saalfield, McElfresh, Bella Rosas and Junior Leo Hall, the team looks to rally another deep playoff run culminating in a 22nd state championship.  

Home matches against non-District perennial powers Jesuit/Ursuline, Plano West, Southlake, and Allen headline another great season.  

Showcase Home Schedule: