Senior captain Meredith Hurley plays first singles for the Raiders in her fourth year on the team.
Head Coach William Morgan said that Hurley will have a lasting impact after the season ends. “Meredith goes above and beyond to ensure that every teammate feels valued and respected,” he said. “She is highly inclusive, making sure that all players are embraced as part of the team. Her positive energy and respect for her fellow athletes have had a profound impact on the unity of our group.”
Junior Dahlia Novick said that Hurley would stay and support the team till the very end. “We could always count on her to be our biggest cheerleader throughout the toughest matches of our season,” she said.
Hurley said she stays focused and grows her game with every point she plays. “I treat every point like a learning opportunity. If I scored, I learned how to win a point; if I lost, I learned something about changing my swing or where not to hit,” she said.
Morgan said watching Hurley play is a pleasure. “She demonstrates incredible skill and is highly strategic on the court. Her dedication to the game and enthusiasm are inspiring,” Morgan said
Hurley said she changes her game to beat the competition. “I play the game I know I need to play to win. That may be hitting killers or well-placed shots to the T. You can’t play the same tennis against everyone,” she said.
Morgan said Hurley is both a motivator and a leader to the Raiders. “She has a unique ability to lead her teammates through important discussions, addressing concerns with both wisdom and empathy,” he said.
Morgan said that the senior never quits. “One of her standout qualities is her ability to sustain long matches with remarkable endurance. She consistently shows an impressive level of determination and focus, which makes her a true asset to any team,” he said.
Senior Lucy Horrigan praised Hurley’s presence in the program. “Meredith is a great leader who is always encouraging everyone to be their best,” she said. “She always has a positive attitude.”
A version of this article appears in print on page 8 of Volume 95, Issue 1, published Oct. 25, 2024.
