Why Quan Huynh Quit His State Tennis Role

A Surprising Resignation and the Impact on Section 1 Tennis

The local athletic community was taken aback when Quan Huynh, a long-time state and Section 1 tennis coordinator, announced his resignation last week. This decision came after a disagreement with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), marking the end of a decade-long tenure in these roles.

Huynh, who has been a coach at Harrison High School for many years, shared that he felt “forced to step down” by NYSPHSAA leadership. His resignation followed complaints about his speech after the boys tennis southeast regional championship in June. The state and Section 1 are now in the process of finding a new coordinator.

“I really enjoyed doing this,” Huynh said, expressing his deep connection to the sport and the people involved. “I'll miss the kids, and the relationships I've built over the years with coaches and players across the state. Whenever someone said to me after a tournament, 'This was a great experience,’ it was such a rewarding feeling.”

A High Point Followed by Controversy

This decision came just a month after Section 1 tennis reached a significant milestone by winning both singles and doubles titles in the state tournament. However, days before this success, tensions arose during an intense regional matchup between Horace Greeley and Syosset from Section 8 on June 5. The event turned chaotic, with a Long Island parent directing an expletive at a player.

Huynh addressed the situation by stopping play and reminding everyone that such behavior was unacceptable. He later mentioned this in his wrap-up speech, where he criticized the audience's conduct. While he maintained that he did not use foul language, he acknowledged that his tone and criticism of the Long Islanders may have upset some listeners.

A recording of the speech was submitted to NYSPHSAA, leading to an investigation. Robert Zayas, the executive director of NYSPHSAA, stated that there were concerns raised about comments made during the speech. He emphasized that coordinators must be mindful of their words as they represent the entire organization.

The Ultimatum and the Decision to Resign

Huynh revealed that the Section 8 coordinator, representing Nassau County, criticized his handling of the situation in a letter to NYSPHSAA. He believes that some administrators with Long Island ties may have pushed for his removal. Despite pleading his case, Zayas presented him with an ultimatum: resign or face termination.

Zayas described their conversation as professional, which ultimately led to Huynh’s decision to step down. Huynh also resigned from the Section 1 role, citing the discomfort of working with individuals who had supported his ouster.

Although the positions paid relatively modest stipends—$2,000 per year for Section 1 and $750 for the state role—Huynh emphasized that the decision was not about money. “I did it for the kids,” he said.

Looking Ahead

NYSPHSAA aims to hire a new coordinator by early August to ensure smooth planning for the upcoming season, which begins in September. Huynh assured that he will remain available to support his successor.

At 49 years old, Huynh plans to continue teaching math at Rye Middle School and coaching the junior varsity team at Harrison. He previously played tennis at Hobart College and coached at the club level before transitioning to scholastic coaching.

Huynh expressed deep gratitude to Harrison athletic director Chris Galano, who supported him as Section 1 boys tennis co-chair. He also sent a mass email to coaches and parents, receiving numerous supportive messages. Many praised his contributions to the tennis community and expressed sadness over his departure.

“My love for tennis and our athletes in the area hasn’t changed,” Huynh said. “I will forever cherish the conversations, memories, smiles and even the tears shed. I can't thank you all enough for allowing me to be part of what we have created here in Section 1.”