With talented core returning, Gateway looks like WPIAL boys tennis contender

By: John Phillips
Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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When Gateway boys tennis coach Matt Stockunas talks about his path to becoming involved with the program, the story is a winding road with unexpected twists and turns.

Stockunas enters his 29th year as a teacher at Gateway, his fourth year as member as a boys tennis program, starting off as an assistant, now entering his second season as the head coach. He said, like many in March of 2020, his path changed direction.

‘When covid hit, there was an opening and I jumped in,” Stockunas said. “I had no formal training or had played tennis. I’ve been lucky to get some help from people who know more about the game than me.”

Former tennis pro Rashid Hassan lives in the school district and recently opened up his own academy last month. Stockunas credits Hassan for lending a hand in getting him up to speed on the sport.

‘The past two years, I’ve worked with Rasheed,” he said. “He took me under his wing, and I’ve learned a great deal.”

Stockunas had zero experience in tennis prior to covid. He coached baseball for a while early in his career, then started a family. He later became active with various programs handling equipment, working through the Gators athletic department.

Now he’s at the helm of a formidable program, one that took the 2023 WPIAL Class 3A team title and finished runner-up to North Allegheny last year. Stockunas returns a talented roster of players that will most likely be in the chase again for WPIAL gold.

That list includes senior Adam Memije, who was a silver medalist in singles play in 2024 at the WPIAL finals. He boasts a 24-1 head-to-head record since 2023.

Senior Zidaan Hassan is the son of Rashid Hassan and a member of this key group. Zidaan finished third in class 3A singles last season and talked about wanting improve on that mark in 2025.

“My dad will give me pointers on players I may be facing, but he will also give me advice that he takes from his pro days and that helps my game,” said the younger Hassan.

Junior Logan Memije rounds out the core of key returning Gators. He is the younger brother of Adam Memije. He carries a gaudy 25-0 head-to-head mark into the year, playing in the third singles slot over the past two campaigns.

Zidaan talked about how playing with such a talented group helps everyone improve.

“We’ve been playing together since the age of 10,” Hassan said. “Even though it’s an individual sport, we push each other. All the battles we have amongst each other help us.”

Sometimes for Stockunas, it’s hard to tell who’s the best player out of his bunch.

“All three are so close in talent,’ said Stockunas. “Hopefully everyone stays healthy. I have high expectations, but all the kids are setting even higher goals than me. All three of our top kids coming back gives us an advantage.”

Junior Troy Bowden will also play singles for Gateway.

“As a team, we’re excited for the year,’ Stockunas said. ‘Not just for the big three that return, but several other younger players have worked hard through last summer and this offseason getting ready for doubles play. We hope that pays off.”

Most expect the section title to come down to Gateway and border rival Franklin Regional. Stockunas is keen to this and said everybody has the date circled on their calendar already.

“Franklin always has a good program,” he said. “We host them March 25 and the winner will most likely take the section. Thankfully it’s at home.”

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