Julian Brown was a four-year Senior from New York and co- captain of Boys Varsity Tennis. He began playing tennis at a young age, following in the footsteps of his older brother and father, who played the sport growing up.
Brown said, “My favorite thing about tennis is probably how much variety there is to the game. There are endless ways to get better and so many different types of shots and strategies.”
Before coming to the school, he played recreationally once or twice a week as a way to spend time with friends and stay active. “After seeing how high the level was on the Varsity team at Hotchkiss, I realized that I wanted to commit myself to improving my game so I could play on that big of a stage,” Brown said.
After three years on JV and additional off-season training during the summers, Brown earned a spot on BVT and was named co- captain.
During the season, he competed at both #6 singles and #1 doubles with fellow co-captain Yury Tsibikov ’26. Head Coach Josh Smith said, “Going from the top of JV to playing #6 singles and #1 doubles is pretty astronomical.”
Tennis Program Director Edgar Giffenig said, “Brown was a much different player at the end [of his four years here], serving much better and playing much better doubles.”
Brown chose to attend Hotchkiss because of the school’s strong community and reputation, and also because his brother, Sebby Brown ’24, was already a student.
“I’ve had the best four years of my life here at Hotchkiss, on and off the court. Although there were challenges, I will always be grateful for Hotchkiss for shaping me into the person I am today,” he said.
Brown played a number of notable matches over the course of his Senior season. Early in the spring, Brown and Tsibikov played against Groton in the Kingswood Oxford Invitational Tennis Tournament; they won 8-6 at #1 doubles, following a close loss to Hall High School. Brown said, “The tournament was a huge morale booster for us and allowed us to gain momentum going into the season that we used to have a solid record and 1st doubles.”
Another key match came at the end of the season against Choate, where Hotchkiss battled for the #1 seed in the Founders League Championship and a potential spot in the NEPSAC Class A tournament. Brown won his match at #6 singles, but Hotchkiss lost 5-2.
“Although it was bittersweet, I was really proud of the guys for fighting and leaving it all on the court. That match reminded me that it is not always about winning and losing, because I was proud of the way we competed and of all the work we did to have such a grand opportunity,” Brown said.
Brown also cites his first Varsity match against Loomis (where the team won 6-1 and he won both his singles and doubles matches) as a meaningful milestone. He said, “Being on the JV team for three years, there was always some self- doubt about taking that next step; but after winning my doubles and singles matches against great opponents, I knew I belonged.”
As BVT co-captain, Brown worked not only on improving his own game but on inspiring others. He said, “During the season, I never saw myself as the authority figure or having power over anybody else. I just tried to be a good leader by example by showing up every day and working hard. I hope that I positively influenced the guys.”
Coach Smith said, “Julian is a fantastic role model who shows up early to practice in order to work on his skills. His serves and net play have gotten a lot better throughout the season. He is hardworking and devoted to becoming the best tennis player possible.”
Next year, Brown will attend Georgetown University, where he plans to study international political economy and business and play tennis recreationally.
