After leading both the boys and girls varsity tennis teams to state championships this past season, Coach Logan West has been named the 2025 Racquet Sports Professionals Association National High School Coach of the Year.
The honor, presented annually by the RSPA, recognizes one high school coach nationwide for excellence in leadership, competitive success and mentorship.
West’s selection follows a historic year for the Sidwell Friends tennis program. For the first time in school history, both the boys and girls teams won the DCSAA state championship under the same coach.
The accomplishment capped a season marked by unity, perseverance and a strong sense of community that West helped foster.
“For the girls program, West is always supportive of our players even if we don’t perform to our standard,” senior captain Sophie Haar said. “That being said, he’s always pushing us to do better. Win or lose, his intentions as a coach are to make us stronger.”
Haar shared one moment that stood out from her four years with the team. “Last year after a loss, Coach West told us this was one of his proudest moments because we picked each other up and supported each other,” she said.
That philosophy of focusing on growth over results is something players across both teams recognize. Haar said his coaching style is rooted in understanding and attention to detail.
“His coaching is extremely individualized,” she said. “He gives advice to each player individually, recognizing our unique strengths and playing styles.”
Haar also emphasized that West’s leadership extends beyond tennis.
“He makes sure everyone is heard,” she said. “He’s really easy to talk to and, outside of tennis, he is always there for his players.”
Senior Rajan Khanna, who plays on the boys team, described a similar experience.
“He’s always about the ‘grit and grind,’ trying to make us stronger through thorough and curated practices,” Khanna said. “His focus isn’t winning — rather, he preaches doing what it takes to put yourself in a position to succeed.”
Haar added that West’s composure helps guide the team through high-pressure moments. “He never shows negative emotions, either staying calm or showing pride in our team,” she said.
Even beyond the tennis program, students noted his constant, encouraging presence at other teams’ games and school events. Senior baseball player Daniel Piho said, “He came to a bunch of the baseball team’s home games this year and encouraged his players to support our team as well.” Through his leadership, the tennis team reinforces the sense of community central to Sidwell’s culture.
The dual championship season energized the wider school community as well. Matches throughout the spring drew large student and faculty turnouts, particularly from other athletic programs. “[The baseball team] turned out to matches after practice to support our classmates,” Piho said. “It was great to see them succeed.”
The RSPA award honors a coach’s ability to develop not just strong athletes but strong people. While the award recognizes West’s coaching achievements, it also reflects the environment and culture he has created — one where students learn dedication, discipline and the importance of community through sport.
“He’s always there for all of his players,” Haar said. “He makes sure we know we matter, and that makes all the difference.”
