Harriton’s Mackenzie Sherman is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The senior co-captain has compiled an impressive career for the Harriton girls’ tennis squad, posting a 9-2 record at No. 2 singles this fall for the Rams (9-2) and advancing to the championship finals of the Central League doubles tournament. Last fall, she was a first team All-Main Line selection at singles, and received second team All-Central League recognition as well. As a sophomore, she was a vital part of the PIAA state champion Ram squad. Off the court, she is a member of Harriton’s Jewish Student Union, Student Council, Freshman Mentor Program, and National Honors Society.
Q: What is your favorite memory of your Harriton tennis career – can you share your memory of it with us?
A: My favorite team memory is when we won the PIAA state championship in 2018. Coming from a loss in the state finals the year before, we were determined to fight hard throughout the season to reclaim our title. My teammates and I will never forget when the deciding match was finished, we all stormed the court in Hershey to celebrate our victory. The Harriton tennis team has provided me with endless memories and friendships. I looked forward to the fall months every year because of how quickly our new team became a family.
Q: What do you think was the key to your success in the Central League doubles tournament this fall?
A: My partner, Josephine Kwok, and I had never played together before, but our key to success was definitely our communication and ultimately enjoying our time on the court together. I was fortunate enough to have played in both the singles and doubles tournaments throughout my four years at Harriton. Apart from the team aspect, it is a great experience to represent my team in a more individual way.
Q: Tell us a little about the biggest challenge you faced during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding keeping your game in shape, and how you dealt with that challenge.
A: In September of my junior year, I injured my shoulder requiring immediate surgery and was out for the remainder of the season. I was in physical therapy for several months and leading up to COVID-19, I focused on getting stronger. I worked on my tennis game on outdoor courts as much as possible.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?
A: I would say my strongest part of my game is my backhand. Most of my opponents expect me to favor my forehand, but my backhand has always been my secret weapon. This past summer and fall, I have been focusing on my groundstrokes and my serve. I consider myself an aggressive baseliner, so I am working on various strategies to apply my strengths in matches.
Q: What are your thoughts about Harriton’s abbreviated tennis season (Central League-only competition, no PIAA postseason – Districts, States)?
A: At first, I was upset that our team would not be able to compete in a postseason, but I was grateful to have the opportunity to represent Harriton alongside my teammates for my last season. Not only was it an honor to be a co-captain with Saige Roshkoff, it was special to share the unforgettable memories with my teammates.
Q: Who are your favorite tennis players? Do you try to pattern your game after any of them?
A: My favorite tennis player is Angelique Kerber. Her tenacity and confidence are two qualities that I admire and try to emulate in my game.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in tennis. Who have been your top tennis mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I began playing tennis when I was a little girl. I tried all the sports, but tennis was the one that stuck with me. I became a competitive player in fifth grade, and have been playing at a competitive level ever since. My two main tennis mentors are my coaches, Mak Kendall and Ryan Gargullo. They constantly push me to be the best tennis player and athlete I can be. They’ve taught me to enjoy the process and not to focus on the end results.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-match preparation the day of a match.
A: Before every match, I like to make sure I eat a lot of protein and stretch. The protein provides me with the energy I need to perform my best, and stretching helps to loosen and relax my body.
Q: What is your favorite tennis venue, and why?
A: My favorite tennis venue is the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., where the U.S. Open takes place. I love this venue because every year my mom and I go right before school starts and we watch all of the top players. It is an annual tradition we absolutely love.
Q: What is your favorite course at Harriton?
A: My favorite course at Harriton was my U.S. History class in my junior year. I have always had a passion for American history, especially when I make connections with current events.
Fun facts – Mackenzie Sherman
Favorite book: To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
Favorite author: Rainbow Rowell.
Favorite TV show: New Girl.
Favorite movie: Grown Ups.
Favorite athlete: Serena Williams.
Favorite pre-match pump-up song: Party in the USA, by Miley Cyrus.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Paris, France.
Favorite pre-match meal: Protein bar and fruit.
Person I most admire, and why: “My two older brothers, Matthew and Corey, have always been my biggest mentors. As student-athletes, they taught me how to be humble and how to balance academics and sports.”
Family members: parents Adam and Michele, older brothers Matthew and Corey.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
To view a gallery of the Main Line Girls Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present click here
