Sudheer Somineni is more than just a loving father to Nidhi and Nitya Somineni, who combined to play No. 2 doubles for the Waterford High School tennis team this spring.

The twins also consider their father to be one of their coaches.

"He used to take us to the courts when we were younger," Nidhi said. "He's the one who has basically coached us for our entire tennis career. We owe everything to him."

Their father offers advice and criticism as well. The twins appreciate his words of wisdom, even the stinging ones.

"At the end of the day, it all works out," Nitya said. "We just like playing with him and that's really it."

Nidhi and Nitya, recent high school graduates, are heading to college this fall. They're going their separate ways -- Nidhi to Georgetown and Nitya to UConn.

Their father has prepared them well for their next adventure, providing some valuable life lessons along the way and stressing the importance of an education.

"He's always there to help us, whether it's for tennis, school or any other aspect in life," Nitya said of his father's impact. "He's there to give us advice whenever we're in some kind of situation. We can always talk to him and he'll help us."

Nidhi added: "The most important thing he's done, he tells us every time, it doesn't matter whether you win or lose a match. Just put all your energy into it, really, really love what you're doing and try your hardest. A lot of it we just try to apply to every other aspect of our lives, too."

Their father also has a lighter side, according to the twins.

He keeps family members entertained at home.

"In my opinion, he's one of the funniest people I've ever met," Nidhi said. "He's serious when he needs to be. There's so many games we play together around the house. He's just so much fun."

Nitya added: "He's just a great person. He always supports us with whatever we do."