Markus Ekstrand couldn’t have scripted a better finish to his high school tennis career as he led American Heritage-Delray to the FHSAA Class 2A state championship and a No. 1 national ranking.
Ekstrand, who signed with the University of Miami, and his twin brother Alexander (Purdue signee) helped the Stallions waltz through the Class 2A postseason without losing a game. American Heritage-Delray obliterated the competition winning districts, regionals, and states to take their ninth boys’ state championship, and first since 2013.
“It was an amazing experience and I felt honored to play number one,” Ekstrand said. “It was a great experience, especially since I got to do it with both my brothers (Alexander) and seventh grader (Karl). I really liked the team aspect and for sure, this will give me a lot of confidence.”
“It was such a great team of guys, and they all contributed a lot to the season and every single match which made it even more special,” he continued. “It was a great team effort from all of us, including the coaches.”
His family moved to Florida from California last year, but they did not play high school tennis. In 2021, Markus also captured a state high school championship at Harvard-Westlake School in Santa Monica.
Ekstrand, who had won the team title with the Stallions, went on to complete the triple crown as he knocked off Calvary Christian Academy junior James Germinal, 7-6 (4) and then 6-1. He then teamed up with partner George Kosseifi and blitzed Pine Crest junior Kenneth Chan and senior Krisztian Meszaros, 6-1 and 6-3.
“For me, (the triple crown) was just something that happened,” said Ekstrand, who wound up playing 10 matches at state. “I just played every single match the way I usually do. Going in, I didn’t realize that I would have singles, doubles, and a team event but once I got to all of those finals, I knew it was something I was going to do.”
American Heritage-Delray Brian Schleifer said that Ekstrand helped the Stallions become the best boys’ team it has had in school history.
“Markus was a tremendous team leader,” said Schleifer, who is in his 25th year at the school. “Winning the triple crown is something that he will hopefully remember for years to come.”
