Alex Gregory
(pictured with Nancy Hungerford)

Alex’s Essay Reads

Being an incoming freshman in high school is a challenging and nerve-wracking experience for anyone. I, however, was very lucky as I began my 9th grade year at Hempfield. The tennis season had started two weeks before classes began, so I came into school that year with a ready-made support group. My teammates showed me the ropes, provided reputation-saving advice, and offered encouragement when I needed it. Because of the confidence they instilled in me from early on, I truly believe I was able to accomplish so much more throughout my high school career than I could have without them.

On the courts, they gave me the courage to approach every match with a positive mindset and mental fortitude, never being afraid to take the risks I needed to succeed. I went undefeated that first year as the #3 player, taking home the Flight 3 singles championship and the Flight 2 doubles championship. That success continued throughout my career at Hempfield, allowing me to finish my senior year as the Flight 1 singles runner-up, and my partner and I as the Flight 1 doubles League and District champions.

Those successes on the court fueled me to succeed off the court. I carried that confidence and work ethic to my academic, community, and social endeavors, all of which allowed me to get into my dream college. Without high school tennis, I am not sure I would be the person I am today, because I simply cannot overstate what it means to have the encouragement and support of so many girls I love and admire. While my teammates changed over the years, the bond we all shared never did. I have made lifelong best friends, shared memories I will never forget, and accomplished personal, athletic, and academic goals I never could have dreamed possible, all thanks to being a part of the Hempfield Girls Tennis Team.

Tennis is a sport like no other. When playing singles, you do not have the ability to rely on teammates to pull you through when you are down. You have to pull from within – block out the noise, even the noise inside your own head – and get the job done. Tennis has taught me the skills that I need to be a winner – patience, a calm presence, self-reflection of what is working and what is not, an ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of my opponent, and the drive to never give up until the last point has been played.

Throughout my time on the court, I have worked to hone these skills, and to develop my mental game as much as my physical game. As I sit here and reflect, I realize that these are the skills that have aided me in all of my achievements over the past several years. When I am calm and patient, l am able to express myself better and to persuade others to see my point of view. When I can see what myself and others are doing well, I am a better student council leader and captain on my tennis and softball teams. When I continue to fight for my goals, never giving up, I am able to achieve my dreams. I know now, because of tennis, that I have these skills, and I plan to use them in all of my endeavors throughout life.

I plan to attend Wake Forest University next year where I will study political and international affairs on the Pre-Law track. I have always had a passion for law and politics, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to learn more about these fields over the next four years. Currently, I am an intern for the Pennsylvania State Representative Brett Miller. This internship has sparked my political aspirations, having given me a front row seat into the action. I have attended meetings where the decision making happens on the floor of the Pennsylvania House and in committees. I believe that, as a politician, I can make a difference in people’s lives, and, with each step in my education, I feel closer to achieving that dream. First, however, I would like to pursue a career in law. I plan to attend law school after graduating from Wake Forest. Becoming a lawyer feels like my destiny, as my parents are both lawyers, and I find their work to be fascinating. They have inspired me, pushing me to do my absolute best in everything I do. With their encouragement, I believe I can achieve my dreams in college and beyond.

While at Wake Forest, I also intend to continue with the pursuit of another great passion of mine – community service. Five years ago, I founded a charity called Baking for Better. With the help of friends and community members, I hold bake sales throughout the county and donate the proceeds to charitable organizations such as Make-a-Wish, Rise to Win, St. Jude’s, Gigi’s Playhouse, Hempfield Area Food Pantry, Homes for Veterans, and so many more. To date, I have raised over $29,000 and donated to more than 25 charities. With every donation, I aspire to make a difference in the lives of those in need.