Baldwin’s Torrie Smith is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The Baldwin School senior has won 48 of her last 49 games at No. 2 singles as of Sept. 16, including recent victories against Episcopal Academy, Conestoga and Lower Merion. Last fall, Smith was a first team All-Inter-Ac and first team All-Main Line selection at singles. Off the court, she started a Baldwin program in collaboration with Team Up Philly, an organization that empowers girls living in under-served Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Q: What do you think has been the biggest key to your recent success?
A: I try to treat each match the same. Regardless of my opponent’s style, my goal is to continue playing my own game and not change to fit hers. In addition, I try to focus on every individual point, rather than the overall score of the game or the set. This helps me to keep my composure during crucial points or when I may be down in a game.
Q: What do you think has been your best match of your Baldwin career to date, and what was working particularly well for you that day?
A: My best match was probably against Academy of Notre Dame’s first singles last year, when I was down 2-5 in the second set after winning the first. I was able to come back and win the second set 7-5 – the end of the match was all mental for me, as I did not drastically change any part of my physical game. In between points I made sure that I reminded myself maintain my composure and focus on what I wanted to do next. I also had my entire team cheering for me after each point, regardless of the result, which helped me to keep a positive mindset.
Q: Who are your favorite tennis players? Do you try to pattern your game after any of them?
A: My favorite tennis players are Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. I like to observe the way they set up their points and what shot patterns they typically follow. I also try to identify specific actions in between points and during the change-overs to further develop my own mental game. I specifically admire Roger Federer for this aspect of the game.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you currently working on the most?
A: The strongest part of my game is probably my serve, but I am still working to improve it, as it is not where I ultimately want it to be. I am continuing to work on my movement, most specifically my footwork, to allow me to execute my shots to the best of my ability.
Q: Who have been your top tennis mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from them?
A: I worked with Jack Conrad for a number of years, who helped me progress greatly and built my foundation for the technical aspects of tennis. In addition, I have more recently worked with Mark Spann, who has helped me continue to further develop my game. I would also like to thank Coach Jeff Sacks and Coach Roni Sacks for making my time on the Baldwin tennis team incredible.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-match preparation the day of a match.
A: I always make sure to get as much sleep as possible the night before, and have a small meal before I play. Ideally, I try to warm up with a hitting partner before I leave, which works if my match is nearby or later in the day. If not, I try to coordinate with another player at the event. I always allow myself enough time to stretch before I go on court and do my own dynamic warm-up wherever I can find space. For school matches, I remind myself to drink as much water as possible throughout my classes, so I am ready to play later.
Q: What is your favorite tennis venue, and why?
A: I like playing on indoor hard-courts the best. I find that the surface is the quickest, which allows me to be more aggressive and benefit the most from a solid first serve.
Q: What is your favorite academic subject at Baldwin School? What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly appeals to you at the present time?
A: My favorite classes are math and Latin. Currently, I am looking to follow a career path in business. Depending on what school I ultimately attend, I hope to be a part of an undergraduate business program or possibly pursue a major in economics.
Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Baldwin other than tennis?
A: I started a Baldwin program in collaboration with Team Up Philly, an organization that empowers girls living in under-served Philadelphia neighborhoods, with whom I have worked closely throughout high school to help mentor their girls. I am a co-head of Lamplighters, our student organization that represents Baldwin by providing tours for prospective families and Baldwin alums, compete with DECA, a business club, and participate in Baldwin Peer Counseling, mentoring middle-schoolers.
Fun facts – Torrie Smith
Favorite author: John Green.
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy.
Favorite movie: Bird Box.
Favorite team: Phillies.
Favorite place to visit: Park City, Utah.
Favorite pre-match meal: Turkey sandwich.
Person I most admire: “Serena Williams – I think her dedication to the game is something that we can all learn from. Despite all of the hardships she has experienced, she still has clear plans for the future and always keeps fighting. Her work to promote female empowerment throughout all athletics is something that has always resonated with me.”
Family members: “I live with my mom, dad, grandmother, and rescued former racing-greyhound, Gracie.”
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
To view a photo gallery of the Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week from 2013 to date click here
