Radnor’s Leina Ciarrocchi is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The Radnor sophomore, who is undefeated in Central League play at No. 1 singles, captured the Central League singles title this fall after placing third in the tourney last year. Her record as of October 4 is 13-1 (9-0 in the Central League). As a freshman, she was the MVP of a Radnor girls tennis squad that posted a 10-1 record, she achieved a 7-2 record at first singles and received first team All-Central League honors at singles. Radnor tennis head coach Pat Kurz said, “Leina keeps a positive attitude, and even if down in a match, she never feels like she is out of it. I have seen her get behind and then turn it around and get the win.” Off the court, Ciarrocchi participates in a number of service clubs, including FBLA (Future business leaders of America), Action Earth, Care 4 Cancer and Project Produce.
Q: What is your sharpest memory of the recent Central League Tournament? What was working particularly well for you that day?
A: My favorite and sharpest moment in the Central League singles tournament would have to be the final. My opponent, Kate Emmanuel, is someone who I have played and trained with since the beginning of my tennis journey. Winning the final was a great moment where I realized how far we have come. In terms of how I was playing, I was definitely nervous going into it, but I pulled myself together and started playing a lot more aggressively and smartly.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the past summer? What are you hoping to achieve this fall?
A: This past summer I would say the part of my game that I have been working the most on was my serve and having a consistent routine on court. So far this fall, I have already achieved my main goal of winning Central League singles, but I also hope to make it to districts in Central League doubles with my partner, Mia Xie.
Q: What in your opinion has been your best match of the season to date? What was working well for you that day?
A: I think my best match this season was against Conestoga, Going on court, I definitely felt the pressure of winning since I won last year in a third set, but this was my favorite match because it showed how much I have improved from my first season to my second season playing high school tennis, and how much more comfortable I felt in the team environment. I went into that match with a positive mindset and went out with a positive mindset, and that really helped me get through the tough parts of that match.
Q: Who are your favorite tennis players? Do you try to pattern your game after any of them?
A: My current favorite tennis player is Emma Radacanu. I like the way she can stay aggressive and super consistent at the same time and how she is determined during every point, which is what I try to do.
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: I would say the strongest parts of my game are my first serve and forehand. I like to use these to my advantage, especially for when I am down in a match. I am currently working on my aggressiveness and finishing off points, which is very helpful when I don’t want to play long points.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at Radnor?
A: My favorite academic course right now is psychology. I’ve always been interested in people and how different people respond to different things.
Fun facts – Leina Ciarrocchi
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls.
Favorite movie: Flipped.
Favorite athlete: Emma Radacanu.
Favorite pre-match pump-up song: Rules- Doja Cat.
Favorite team: 76ers.
Favorite place to visit: Tokyo, Japan.
Family members: parents Steve and Hiromi, older sister Kanon.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
