John Kessler retires as University High girls tennis coach
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IRVINE — University tennis coach John Kessler experienced one of his most exciting victories Monday as his boys team outlasted No. 1 Corona del Mar in a four-hour match decided by a super tiebreaker. But after the cheering and intensity faded into the quickly-approaching nightfall, he recalled a quieter time a few weeks ago that struck him at a deeper level.
“I was walking back to my classroom from the courts, and as I’m walking, I see some of my students and they’ve got a lacrosse uniform on, a softball uniform, a baseball,” he said. “I’m saying hi to people and as I’m walking, I’m thinking ‘I’ve loved doing this.’ “
Kessler, 65, becomes emotional as he recounts his peacefulness in that moment.
His storied coaching career has reached the crossroads.
After 25 years, Kessler has retired as University’s girls tennis coach and is undecided if he will return next season to lead the Trojans’ powerhouse boys program.
The uncertainty arrives as Kessler is set to retire from teaching at University at the end of this school year.
Kessler said because of his retirement as a teacher, the Irvine Unified School District requires him to take at least six months off from coaching. That’s a contributing factor, he said, that made the fall season with the girls his last. But there are other reasons at play, too.
“I need a break,” he said. “I don’t know (about coaching) the boys. I’m leaning toward no but I don’t know. This group (of boys) is mostly juniors and I love this group.”
“I do love it, even with all these years,” he added. “I still love putting a team together. I still love the coaching.”
Kessler has been University’s boys and girls coach since the 2001-02 school year.
A native of New York, he inherited a strong program from coach Jeff Hammond. But under Kessler, the Trojans have reached another level.
He has guided the boys to 13 CIF Southern Section championships, including the past four.
The Trojans’ boys have claimed the past two CIF State titles and are the defending champion this week at the Ojai tournament. They’ve captured the Griggs trophy for the Ojai team title nine times under Kessler.
On Tuesday, University defeated Northwood 12-6 to claim a 20th consecutive Pacific Coast League championship.
“That’s crazy,” Kessler said. “I have the upmost respect for the kids in this league, the coaches in this league.”
“It’s a tribute to the boys,” the coach added. “And you got to be humble about it.”
On the girls side, Kessler has led University to seven CIF-SS runner-up finishes, all in the top division.
But while his career numbers are impressive, Kessler cares about more than wins.
As an U.S. history teacher, he pushes his students to score well on Advanced Placement exams.
And as a coach, he mentors his players on sportsmanship.
Northwood coach Kayla Almazan said Kessler strikes the balance with care for his players.
“He’s caring for their mental health,” she said.
University junior JiHyuk Im said Kessler is known for his honesty.
“I love playing under Kessler,” Im said. “If you’re not playing well, he’ll tell you that you’re not playing well and that you have to change something up. He’ll give you criticism but it’s something that you need.”
Kesler’s perspective has been shaped in recent years by his own health scare.
In November 2019, he suffered a near-fatal, subarachnoid hemorrhage in his brain - or a brain bleed - while coaching University’s girls at the CIF USTA SoCal regionals in Claremont.
Kessler, who has three children with his wife Hali, said the incident “reset” his perspective on life.
“At the end of the day, it’s about relationships,” he said. “I love being part of helping to shape young people whether it be in the classroom or the court.”
And for Kessler, that’s a mission he remains grateful for.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 1:23 PM.