Folsom High School senior Jayani Sri Nandika Duggirala has been named the school’s 2025 Female Athlete of the Year, a recognition that honors a historic tennis career marked by championship victories, academic excellence, and unwavering leadership.
The award was presented during a ceremony held Wednesday, May 21, where Duggirala was celebrated by coaches, classmates, and school leaders for her trailblazing accomplishments—most notably becoming the first tennis player, male or female, in school history to win the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 Singles Championship twice. The prestigious title is contested among athletes from approximately 206 high schools across the region.
Duggirala was honored for an athletic résumé that includes two Sierra Foothill Super League Singles Tennis Championships—earned during her sophomore and senior years—as well as three consecutive All-League First Team and League MVP honors. Most notably, she became the first tennis player in Folsom High School history, male or female, to win the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 Singles Championship twice.
“It’s been such a journey,” Duggirala said. “I’m proud to have accomplished something that’s a first for tennis at Folsom High.”
Duggirala’s impact goes well beyond the tennis court. Earlier this year, she received one of the top youth honors in the sport from the United States Tennis Association’s Northern California division. She was presented with the USTA NorCal Tyler Nii Award for 2024–25 on January 25, an accolade that recognizes student-athletes who excel in sportsmanship, leadership, and competitive achievement—qualities Duggirala demonstrated consistently throughout her career.
Duggirala was praised during the ceremony by Folsom High Girls Tennis Coach Stacey Matteoli, who described her as not only a standout athlete but also a person of deep character and poise.
“This was my first year coaching high school tennis, and to my surprise—and absolute delight—my number one player was incredible!” Matteoli said during her remarks. “Jayani made me look good right out of the gate.”
Matteoli outlined the senior’s numerous accolades before emphasizing the qualities that made Duggirala stand out even more off the court.
“Jayani’s greatness goes far beyond titles and trophies,” she said. “She holds a 4.26 GPA while managing a schedule packed with AP courses. She is also the President of SkillsUSA, a leadership organization that empowers students and educators. Her excellence in the classroom rivals her excellence on the court.”
In addition to her demanding academic schedule, Duggirala’s role in SkillsUSA reflected her broader commitment to leadership and service. The student-led organization focuses on professional development and community responsibility, and under her presidency, she served as a mentor not only to teammates but to fellow students across campus.
When Duggirala faced injury during her junior year, her influence never waned. Rather than stepping away from the team, she actively helped run practices, mentored younger teammates, and played a role in match-day strategy and lineup decisions. “She turned a personal setback into an opportunity to lead,” Matteoli said. “Her poise and sportsmanship stood out again and again this season. Not once did I see her lose her composure. She always held her head high, even in the most challenging moments. I felt like a proud parent watching her navigate pressure with such maturity and focus.”
The coach closed her remarks with a heartfelt tribute to the Duggirala family and the role they played in the team’s culture.
“We all know that athletes don’t reach this level alone—it takes time, sacrifice, and endless support,” she said. “What’s so special about her parents is that their support didn’t stop with Jayani. They brought warmth and generosity to the whole team. They were at every match, always ready to lend a helping hand, always with a smile, and they made a brand-new coach feel seen and supported. I am forever grateful.”
As she prepares to graduate and begin her next chapter at UC San Diego, Duggirala said the recognition is both humbling and motivating.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had so much support, from my family to my coaches and teammates,” she said. “It would be awesome if this could be shared with the community—I hope it inspires younger athletes at Folsom High.”
Matteoli has no doubt that Duggirala’s journey is only just beginning.
“Jayani moves through this world with purpose, humility and heart,” she said. “She is an athlete of extraordinary talent, a scholar of impressive discipline, and a leader with quiet strength and integrity. She has left a lasting legacy on Folsom High. I know you’re going to thrive at UC San Diego and beyond. I’m so proud of you and excited for what’s next.”
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