When did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was 4, and my dad’s entire family started playing at a young age. It’s been in our family from the start.

What has tennis taught you over the years?
The fact that tennis is an individual sport, you have to face a lot of adversity on your own. Everyone has different playing styles and you have to adapt for each match.

What are your goals with tennis this season? Hopes for the boys tennis program?
I really think our team can get the state title this year. I’m also going for the state title in the singles draw. I think we should do very well at conference and sectionals and bring back both of those titles.

Me and Mark, the other captain, really care about the program. We want the program to do well and have worked to create a family environment on the team.

What do you enjoy about playing tennis?
I enjoy the reflection time when I’m alone, but also the team environment we’ve created at Latin. When I’m playing club, it’s pretty individualistic and everyone’s working for themselves. However, the people here support you and you support your teammates. The community aspect is so nice, rather than doing everything individually. 

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
This is coated with love - pushy. I’m always pushing my teammates to do better and incentivizing them to want to be better. I would also say caring and hard-working.

Any pre-match or match day rituals?
Before a match or practice, I try to make sure everyone is on the bus so we can be together as a team and listen to music. Getting a good warmup before each match is also important to me.

During a match, I go to my towel after every point, no matter what. I am super cognizant of staying hydrated during the match to avoid cramping. I’ll drink LMNT and water and stretch after each game. No superstitions or anything, though. 

What advice would you give to someone who hopes to play tennis at your level
Tennis is one of those sports where you need a ton of repetition. Talent can only get you so far. In the end, it’s about who’s going to put in the hours behind the scenes. 

You have to make sacrifices for athletics and be cognizant of the tradeoffs in committing to a sport. The earlier you can find a balance that allows you to work hard and be happy with your decision-making, the better.

What is a favorite memory you have from playing tennis at Latin?
Playing doubles with my older brother my freshman year. We had a very good season and won state as a team. My brother and I were the favorites to win the state title in doubles that year, but I got a cramp in the semifinal match and we lost. We were sad about it at the time, but have come to appreciate how special it was to be able to play our whole season together.

How do you feel being in your last year of tennis at Latin?
I’m definitely sad. I've made so many nice memories and the team has been such a nice community to have. The relationships you develop on a sports team over multiple years create a strong bond.

Our team is really good and it’s so nice to get to play with such great players every day. I’m surrounded by guys who face the same challenges and push themselves in the same way. It’s great, especially in such a small community like Latin.

Favorite warm-up song?
Not one song in particular, but I’ve been listening to a lot of Ken Carson.

Who has contributed to your tennis journey? Who would you like to thank and why
That’s a sweet question! I’d say there are three parts to that answer.

First, of course, are my parents. They’ve taken me to tournaments across the country and have been super supportive with my decision-making around tennis, letting me make choices for myself and helping me along the way. They’ve allowed me to step back from tennis when needed and it’s helped me figure out how to tackle things.

I've also had supportive coaches who have been very invested in my success, which has helped me become the player I am today.

Within Latin tennis, fellow captain Mark T. has been such a great friend on and off the court over the past four years. We push and help each other, which has made me a better player and gotten me excited for every season.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
I find this with every student at the school - Latin is such a big part of our identities, so we carry that with us everywhere we go. Our team has only nine players and we’re together on those courts every day. We’ve formed such strong bonds and the support we share at matches has deepened them.

Any upcoming events that you would like to shout out for fellow Romans to come cheer you and your teammates on at?
This weekend (May 1-2), we have our “pre-state” invitational at Hersey High School, where all the best teams in the state will play out in the northern suburbs.

Next weekend (May 8-9), we have another invitational at Deerfield High School with a ton of great teams, so that will be exciting to watch.

Also, the state tournament is the last weekend of May (May 28-30) at Palatine High School…people should come!

What’s next after Latin?
I’m going to Georgetown University next year. I definitely plan to play club tennis, but I’ve talked to the coach of Georgetown’s tennis team and there are a lot of opportunities to get involved with them. Hopefully, if a spot opens up in future years, I’ll have the chance to take it. Fingers crossed for that!

We asked Coach Sabatino a few questions about what it’s like getting to coach Kiyan:

How many years have you been coaching Kiyan?
1 year/season

What do you enjoy about having Kiyan on the team and in Latin's tennis program
Kiyan has been described as the heart of the team, consistently bringing energy and accountability. Whether through on-court encouragement or off-court leadership, he unites his teammates around a shared goal. In a sport as individual as tennis, Kiyan works intentionally to build cohesion and an inclusive team culture.

With over 50 wins, he demonstrates a strong commitment to improvement both on and off the court. While his intensity can be intimidating, he balances it with humor and levity that keeps the team grounded.

As a coach, I value both ownership and coachability—and Kiyan embodies both. He has embraced different coaching approaches and continues to show strong adaptability and a commitment to improvement. His balance of confidence and self-awareness sets him apart, and I’m excited to see how he continues to lead this season.

How could other players learn from Kiyan?
I wish other players would dedicate themselves to more than just hitting a lot. I consistently see Kiyan in the gym working out so he’s in the best overall shape he can be in. He watches tapes to improve strategy, and he researches his opponents to expose their weaknesses. I also want other players to see how engaged he is with his other teammates, which improves the overall culture of the team. He builds others up around him.

The Latin community is proud to recognize seven student-athletes who have committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. These athletes have shown dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to their teams throughout their time at Latin, and we are excited to celebrate this accomplishment with them. We congratulate the following students on their commitments and look forward to following their success in this next chapter.

Will H. – Princeton University, Rowing

Will will continue his rowing career at Princeton University, where he plans to study Operations Research and Financial Engineering. Princeton stood out to him for its team culture, strong academics and coaching staff, all of which made the decision feel like the right fit. He is looking forward to stepping into a more competitive environment and taking on a new level of challenge. His time during the 2024 spring season and competing with the national team this past summer stand out as defining experiences in his high school career. Will credits his coach, Matt, for shaping his approach to training and racing with a simple, focused mindset. His advice to younger athletes is to "stay disciplined, every day you are either getting better or getting worse, never the same."

Grayson H. – Wesleyan University, Baseball

Grayson is headed to Wesleyan University to play baseball and study Economics. The connection started early through family, but it stuck because it felt like the right place academically and socially, and because the staff made it clear they wanted him there. He is looking forward to the level of competition and the chance to keep getting better while being part of a tight group. His favorite high school moment was winning a regional title his junior year. He points to his parents as the biggest reason he got to this point. His message to younger athletes is simple. "Set your goals, go after them, and don’t forget to enjoy playing."

Abby K. – Williams College, Field Hockey

Abby will continue her field hockey career at Williams College, where she plans to study Economics. Williams checked every box for her: strong academics, high-level play, and a team culture that felt right right away. She is looking forward to being pushed every day and seeing what she can handle at the next level. Her favorite memory at Latin was being part of the field hockey team that made the program’s first State Final Four run. She credits her parents for being steady through everything, and she keeps her advice short. "Put in the work, even when no one is paying attention."

Olivia L. – Princeton University, Rowing

Olivia is taking her rowing career to Princeton University, where she will study Economics. She was looking for a place that would challenge her in the classroom and on the water, and Princeton gave her that. She is excited to be part of a team that expects a lot and to see how far she can push herself. Racing at the World Rowing Championships stands out as a defining experience during her high school years. She credits her coaches and teammates for raising her standard every day. Her advice is to "raise your own bar, and bring others with you."

Andrew L. – Swarthmore College, Baseball

Andrew will play baseball at Swarthmore College, where the mix of strong academics and a program that felt like a fit made the decision clear. He is looking forward to being part of a team environment and continuing to compete at a high level. A few moments stand out from his time at Latin: his first varsity game as a freshman against Timothy Christian, karaoke on the bus ride back from the Westminster game, and last season’s regional championship. He credits his parents for everything they have put into his journey. His advice is "trust yourself and stick with it."

Lauren R. – Williams College, Soccer

Lauren is headed to Williams College to continue her soccer career and study Economics. She was drawn to the overall experience, high expectations in the classroom, a demanding soccer environment, and a campus community that felt like a fit. She is excited to compete at a higher level and be part of a team that stays connected on and off the field. Many of her best memories come from time spent with her club team at showcases and playoff runs. She points to her early coach, Johnny Ioannou, as someone who pushed her game forward and gave her the confidence to chase bigger opportunities. Her advice to younger athletes is to "go after what you want, stay consistent, and be someone your teammates can rely on."

Jack Z. – Kenyon College, Golf

Jack will continue his golf career at Kenyon College, where he plans to explore his academic interests while competing for a strong program. Kenyon stood out to him for its academics and a golf team that plays a competitive schedule. He is looking forward to the day-to-day work with his team, practicing, competing, and training together throughout the year. His favorite high school moment came when Latin won ISLs and he shot 8 under, a performance that reflects the level he can play at. Jack credits his coach, David Maslen, for his guidance, instruction, and steady support over the years. His advice to younger athletes is easy, "practice is one of the few things you can control, so take it seriously."

Congratulations to our student-athletes on a wonderful winter season. The Romans closed out 2025 and kicked off 2026 with remarkable individual and team accomplishments that reflect their hard work and dedication. Below are some of the highlights from the season.

Girls Basketball
Girls basketball built on its championship standard this winter behind a strong senior class. The team reached the championship game of Latin's inaugural Thanksgiving tournament and followed that with a strong showing at the Regina winter tournament. Multiple athletes earned Athlete of the Week recognitions; Cali K. was named to an All-Tournament Team; and the team had two 1st Team All-Conference selections, one 2nd Team selection, and one Honorable Mention. The Romans also captured their fifth straight regional championship and made it to the sectional semifinal. 

Boys Basketball
Boys basketball made one of the biggest jumps in the conference this season. After finishing 7-18 and fourth in the ISL last year, the team turned it around with a 20-9 record and a share of the ISL Championship. The group finished second in their Thanksgiving tournament, with Rohin S. and Josh S. earning All-Tournament Team honors. The growth across the roster, combined with senior leadership, helped reset the standard for the program.

Boys Swimming
Boys swimming had a strong growth year both in and out of the pool, with captains Clark S. and Emilio E. setting the tone with steady leadership and accountability. The team finished 4–6 overall and placed 3rd at ISLs. Every swimmer qualified for sectionals, with the group finishing 8th overall thanks to the impressive depth of their roster. Ben R. and Oscar T. each earned Athlete of the Week honors for standout performances during the season. The team also completed three community service projects, continuing Latin's expectation that our student-athletes compete hard and give back. This group laid a solid foundation and gained experience that will pay off next year!

The following student-athletes and coach earned individual accolades for their performances this season.

Independent School League 1st Team All-Conference

• Ari G. – Basketball
• Ellie S. – Basketball
• Connor K. – Basketball
• Josh S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Team All-Conference

• Cali K. – Basketball
• Thomas M. – Basketball
• Rohin S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Place Individual Event

• Clark S. - 100-yard Backstroke

Independent School League All-Conference Honorable Mention

• Teagan M. – Basketball

Illinois Athletic Director Association All-State Award
Each year, the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) recognizes seniors across the state who stand out in athletics, academics, leadership and service. Congratulations to the following student-athletes for receiving this recognition of their commitment and excellence in athletics and beyond.

• Teagan M. - 1st Team All State
• Josh S. - Honorable Mention

Illinois Basketball Coaches Association - Hall of Fame Inductee, Max Rouse '93
Last year, Latin celebrated the 400th career win of varsity girls basketball coach and Latin alumnus Max Rouse '93. This year, we have the honor of congratulating him on his selection for induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026.

The IBCA Hall of Fame recognizes coaches from across the state for their long-term excellence, impact, and commitment to the game. This honor reflects not just wins, but the culture Coach Rouse has built and the consistency of his program over time. 

Thank you to all of our student-athletes, families, coaches and athletics staff for making this another successful season for the Latin community. We look forward to an exciting spring season for our Romans. Be sure to keep up with the latest spring team schedules with the Latin Athletic Calendar.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in fourth grade at my school and then started playing club basketball in sixth grade.

Why do you enjoy playing basketball at Latin?
I like the sport in general and, specifically at Latin, my team is a core part of enjoying it, including the coaches. We are all very close. 

How have you evolved as a basketball player and teammate over the years?
I’ve learned from my mistakes each year and what I needed to practice for the upcoming seasons. 

As a teammate, I went from watching others lead in previous years to serving as a captain myself, where I try to apply what I appreciated most about the captains before me.

Any pre- or post-game rituals for you?
Recently, the team has been going to Starbucks and Chipotle and getting something from there before each game. We’ve been winning, so I’m keeping that going. 

I’ll also listen to music during halftime of the JV girls basketball game while we’re warming up.  

How do you feel being in your last year of Athletics at Latin? 
Very sad, especially since I’m not playing a sport in college, so my competitive athletic career will be over. I’m sad to leave all of the friends I’ve made from playing sports at Latin.

What have you learned from your teammates & coaches over the years?
I’ve learned something new from all of my teammates. It’s specific to each person. They’ve taught me a lot.

Coach Max, specifically, has taught me to keep my composure. I can get easily frustrated when playing sports, and he helped me a lot with that. If you mess up, just play harder to get it back.

What has been a highlight of this winter season?
Beating Regina at home! It was a really good game for us, and our team played really well together. We haven’t beat them at home in a long time, so that was fun. 

You were recently named to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) All-State Team. How did it feel to 1) be nominated by Upper School AD Katie Johnson and 2) receive that recognition?
I was honored to be nominated because there are so many amazing student-athletes who are also academic- and service-oriented at Latin. It was really nice to be nominated. I got really excited when she emailed me.

To then earn the honor was also a really exciting moment. It proved that all of the hard work I’ve put in over the many years of balancing sports and academics has paid off.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
Competitive, leader, caring

Who has contributed to your basketball journey? Who would you thank & why?
My parents and my sisters. I probably wouldn’t have played basketball if my sisters didn’t play because I liked to follow what they did.

I’d also thank all of the Latin coaches–Max, Nikki, Adam, Jade–and my teammates from every year that I’ve played, too.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
Each team I’ve played on is insanely different and I love that they’re different. With field hockey, we’re all super competitive and worked really hard, but still had fun.

With basketball, we still work hard, but we goof off a little more. I think our basketball team is probably a little closer since it’s such a small team.

Track is more of an individual sport, but you are still part of a team. It’s a different experience because you connect with your team while focusing on achieving your individual goals. 

Overall, playing sports at Latin was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It helped me connect with people from different grades and different friend groups. At a larger school, I’m not sure if I’d have been able to play all three sports that I love. Being able to do that is the best.  

Who inspires you? Who do you look up to?
My cousins got my sisters and me into sports and we look up to them a lot. I look to both of my sisters for guidance through everything because they’ve already been through it and we’ve played mostly the same sports. And my parents, especially them.

Favorite warm-up song?
The team-wide favorite song is “Jimmy Cooks” by Drake. It’s the first song we play for every warmup. It’s been our walk-out song since my freshman year and we’ve kept it until now. Reese and Megen started that several years ago and we’ve kept it going. 

What are you involved with at Latin outside of basketball?
Field hockey and track. I’m also a Roman Ambassador and the head of the Marketing Club.

Being a senior, what are you looking forward to the rest of this year?
Finishing off the year with my friends and making the most of it. I’m excited to finish out the year with track in the spring season.

What’s next after Latin?
I’m undecided, but I’ll go to college somewhere. I hope to study something with science. I’m not quite sure yet.

We asked long-time girls varsity basketball coach Max Rouse a few questions regarding Teagan’s basketball journey... 

How many years have you been coaching Teagan?
I have coached Teagan since she was finishing up middle school and practiced with the Chicago Sky Basketball Academy. It has been a pleasure working with her over the years!  

What do you enjoy about having Teagan on the team and in Latin's basketball program?
Teagan has always brought a competitive mindset while still having fun. Over the years, she has learned to maximize her athleticism and speed, becoming a menace in our press and a strong finisher at the rim on offense. Her confidence has grown, and she is now a more physical and resilient player.

How could other players learn from Teagan?
One of the most exciting parts of Teagan’s development has been watching her grow into a strong and impactful leader. It has not always been easy for her. She has faced injuries and setbacks along the way. Over the course of her career in overcoming these obstacles, Teagan has developed a leadership style that focuses on bringing positive energy and giving her full effort in practices and games. The foundation of Teagan's leadership has been her actions, and that is a lesson all athletes can use to help themselves and their teams.

Congratulations to the varsity girls basketball team on a successful season that included winning the 3A regional championship.

You can stay up-to-date on the latest spring athletics schedule with Latin’s Athletic Calendar.