Male Spotlight Athlete of the Week | Nilesh Singh

Name: Nilesh Singh

School: Richland

Age: 18

Grade: 12

Sport: Tennis

Parents: Ramesh Singh and Geeta Verma, of Richland Township

Athletic achievements: 2024 and 2025 District 6 Class 2A singles champion, 2025 Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference West most valuable player, 2024 LHAC West first team and 2023 all-LHAC selection.

Coach’s quote: “As a captain, Nilesh has been a critical part of the Richland boys’ tennis program. What stands out most isn’t just his skill, but his integrity and the sportsmanship standard he sets for the entire team. He is always willing to step up to the plate. We are blessed to have a player and leader of his caliber. Coach Towns, Coach Clawson and I are excited to see him carry this momentum through the rest of the season.” – Richland boys tennis coach Logan Bethmann

Favorite subject: Biology or chemistry

Favorite movie: “Good Will Hunting”

Favorite book and video game: Book “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and video game “Rocket League”

Favorite food: Chicken with rice

Favorite teachers (subjects taught): Mr. Mangus (chemistry) and Mr. Oravec (calculus)

Favorite song: “Mirror” by Kendrick Lamar

Favorite app on your phone: Brawl Stars

Outside interests: Playing other sports with friends, volunteering at a local hospital and working out

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?: I think I’d be a dog because of my extroverted personality.

Favorite athletic team: San Diego Padres

Athlete most admired: Former pro tennis player Roger Federer

Most influential person on my athletic career: My dad has shaped the way I play to this day and has practiced with me more times than I can comprehend. My tennis coach, Jamie Taylor, has also drastically helped me improve my game. He is one of the first people I can thank for my improvement in tennis.

Most impressive athlete that you have competed against: Scranton Prep graduate Akhilesh Velaga, my 2025 first-round matchup in the PIAA Class 2A tournament who went on to get third place

Proudest athletic achievement: Winning my first district title in 2024

How I got my start: I started tennis when I was 9 years old when my dad signed me up for lessons. I really enjoyed tennis and wanted to improve my game. My first coach, Mike Kush, taught me how to play and have fun.

Future goal: Studying biochemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and plan to stick on the pre-med track.

– Jake Oswalt