Before joining Mercy Academy's tennis team during her freshman year, Emma Oberhausen had never picked up a tennis racket. Despite her initial lack of experience, Emma, now a senior, emerged as a pivotal player, propelling Mercy Academy's team to levels of success not witnessed in decades.

"I signed up my freshman year as a way to be active and immediately fell in love with the sport and community around me," Emma said. "I can't imagine not playing tennis. I've made some of my best friends and I know that my friends and coaches are always there for me."

Since Emma's arrival, Mercy Academy tennis has clinched three consecutive Region 6 championships, a feat unmatched since the 1980s. Emma herself has secured qualification for doubles at the State Tournament across multiple seasons. Reflecting on her time on the team, Emma said she fondly recalls attending the State Tournament in Lexington and cherishing the camaraderie shared with her teammates and coaches, marking these experiences as sone of her most cherished memories at Mercy Academy.

As she approaches her final season at Mercy Academy, Emma said she is determined to secure another regional victory for the fourth consecutive year and to shine in the state tournament. Ascending from a complete tennis novice to claiming the regional championship in a single season, and sustaining this streak of success across subsequent seasons, required Emma to demonstrate immense effort and resilience. To keep her motivation high, she attributes her steady progress in each practice and the unwavering support of her teammates.

"During my freshman year, I really looked up to the seniors on my team and I wanted to be just like them," she said. "They really pushed me to be a better tennis player."

Emma said her coaches have also been instrumental in her athletic development, including her head coach Emily Barnett.

"I know I can go to my coaches with anything going on and they will support me," she said. "They help me become a better version of myself and push me to goals I never thought I would be able to meet."