Jerald Carroll: Rising Tennis Star
Jerald Carroll, a standout tennis player from Winter Park, has made quite a name for himself both locally and internationally. The 16-year-old senior, who has roots in The Bahamas, was not idle during the early weeks of the 2025 high school tennis season. He missed several matches due to his participation in international competitions.
International Success
Instead of playing locally in February, Carroll focused on his game abroad, clinching three consecutive singles titles at International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments held in El Salvador and Mexico. Adding to his success, Carroll also secured titles in doubles at two of those events.
High School Dominance
Upon his return to Florida, Carroll resumed competing for his high school, dominating the regular season with five victories and continuing his streak into the postseason. He emerged undefeated in area singles competition, including a hard-fought match against Malhar Patel, the leading player from Lake Nona, the eventual state champion.
His remarkable performance throughout the season earned him the title of 2025 Sentinel Varsity boys tennis Player of the Year.
Coach’s Praise and Future Prospects
Winter Park’s coach, Teri Bentley, praised Carroll not only for his skills but also for his leadership and dedication to the team, highlighting his role as a role model for younger players.
In his junior year, Carroll was the runner-up in Class 4A singles, but his only loss this season came in the state semifinals against Zane Ensminger from Spruce Creek, where he narrowly missed victory in a tiebreaker.
Teaming up with sophomore Tristan Bradu for doubles action, Carroll faced another setback in the state tournament, losing in a tiebreaker as well.
As for his future, Carroll is currently in talks with various college programs but is also considering a different path. His recent achievements have propelled him in the junior tennis rankings, soaring from the 800s to an impressive No. 313 worldwide. With a year of eligibility in the 18U division remaining, he is eyeing a gap year to enhance his international presence, aiming to break into the top 100 and possibly qualify for the Junior U.S. Open scheduled for late summer.
Other Notable Players
Additionally, other notable players from the season include Winter Park’s Tristan Bradu, who proved unbeatable at No. 2 singles, and Lake Nona’s Shay Gupta and Malhar Patel, who contributed significantly to their teams. The Player of the Year and standout honors were determined by the Sentinel staff, with feedback from regional coaches, recognizing the athletes’ achievements in schools participating in the FHSAA state series across several counties in Central Florida.
