Girls’ Athlete of the Month: Eliza Dordelman

A.J. Marcucci ’17: Eliza Dordelman ’14 has been a star on the tennis courts for EA during the past four years. Eliza is a strong competitor on the court with a mean forehand and a wicked backhand, skills that she has perfected ever since she was five years old. Although she has been playing her entire life, her passion for tennis truly formed during her freshman year. Dordelman explained, “I really began to pursue my passion in tennis during freshman year when I quit all of my other competitive sports. I wanted to focus on my tennis future.” Because this is her last year in the EA girl’s tennis program, she wants to win it all and finish on top alongside fellow senior co-captain Caroline O’Rourke ‘14. Because this year’s team is so young, she has mentored a couple of freshmen on and off the court. Dordelman elaborated, “Although this is the youngest team we have had in my four years, we are definitely the closest. Everyone gets along so well and the team is so easy going, but still very competitive.” According to Dordelman, the team has matured and has built a an especially strong bond. Going into the Agnes Irwin showdown, EA possesses an impressive 10-2 mark. They have won the inter-ac outright, but they came up just short in the inter-ac tournament, placing second behind Agnes Irwin. Eliza said her high of the season was beating their rivals Agnes Irwin to clinch the regular season title. Her greatest individual high school tennis accomplishment has been winning the inter-ac tournament all of her four years on varsity. Whitaker Powell, girls’ varsity tennis coach, said, “Eliza is an awesome teammate and captain. She is a model for the younger players and gets along with her fellow seniors.” Mr. Powell has seen Eliza grow over the years and knows that when she goes off to college to start her college tennis career, she will do great because she is a wonderful doubles player. Mr. Powell said, “So much of girls college tennis relies on doubles. She will bring her competitiveness and bring winning spirits from EA to her college. She is a great practice player and is a great teammate. Eliza leads her players both on and off the court.” In regards to college, Dordelman has just recently committed to Villanova University, where she will seek to continue her great success. She is determined to end her impressive high school tennis career with a big rivalry victory!