Maddy Mitchell ’22 | Ashley Kennedy ’22
Photo courtesy of Ashley Kennedy ’22
Senior Cara Harty ‘20 may be known to many as a basketball star, but her tennis abilities have contributed to the success of EA’s Varsity Tennis team. Harty has contributed to Episcopal’s tennis team since her freshman year and has been a dominant force at first doubles for the past three years on the varsity team.
Harty has always had a passion for tennis and it has shown while being on the team. She adds, “I started playing tennis in the lower school at camps during the summer. No one in my family really played, so I would always just play with my friends or counselors. I competed in USTA tournaments for a couple of years when I was younger but stopped playing outside of school when it conflicted with soccer. In middle school, I had to choose between soccer or tennis because they were in the same season, so I chose tennis.”
Her teammates and coach have seen her improvement over the years and have enjoyed working with Harty throughout her High School tennis journey. Head coach Whitaker Powell says, “Cara has been a key member of the team since first arriving at EA. Cara has improved each year and for the past two years has anchored our doubles lineup.”
Harty has made many memories while playing on the team and has enjoyed her experience playing challenging matches and learning from the ups and downs. “My favorite tennis match was my junior year when we beat Lawrenceville. As an overall team, we had not beaten them in many years. It was one of those matches where we played out of our minds. It was one of the first times Eliza Aldridge and I clicked as partners and we were able to completely dominate our opponents.”
Teammate and doubles partner Eliza Aldridge ‘21 shares her experience from that match saying, “My favorite memory of Cara, while we’ve been on the team together, was a match against Lawrenceville in her junior year. This was our best match since we have played doubles together. Cara was playing the best tennis match I’ve ever seen her play. Every shot was hit with a great purpose. It wasn’t, however, Cara’s talent that made this my favorite memory. Cara displayed her ability to be an amazing leader, a driven competitor, and to enjoy every moment all at once. She was fearless.”
Both agree that the chemistry of the team this year has allowed them to gain as much success as they have. Harty says, “Although our season is not finished yet, winning the Inter-Ac title was definitely the highlight of my senior season so far. Tennis always has extremely close teams, and this year is no different. Our chemistry has helped our playing, especially since we have constantly changed up the partners and lineup–something we have not done much in the past years. But, everyone adjusts well and gives 100% effort no matter what position they are at.”
Coach Powell goes on to say, “…her contributions to the team extend far beyond the court with her positive and supportive attitude. Cara has an innate ability to make people laugh and relax the team. She is quick-witted but also possesses a tremendous work ethic that is essential in a captain. She has the respect of everyone on the team.” Aldridge seems to agree with Powell saying, “Cara is a leader. She is a leader to anyone and everyone who needs support and encouragement. As a doubles partner, Cara always knows the right thing to say to keep me motivated.”
Harty, her teammates, and her coach have enjoyed playing together this season and feel confident that they will be able to clinch the final win on EA-Agnis Erwin Day. Harty says, “I am looking forward to Agnes Irwin Day since we all had close and competitive matches, but I am confident in our abilities to pull through with a win.”