If you follow the Abington Heights High School tennis team, you’ve most likely heard of 17-year-old rising tennis star Mary Booth. As if to prove this, she works day and night to better her performance, sportsmanship, and love for her sport.

“Tennis is like taking a test in high pressure situations,” Booth states. 

Yet, she is still able to balance life and sport. She manages to spend time with friends, family, and her dog Macy, as well as read many books, all while tackling the difficulties of high school and tennis.

Booth spoke about her history with tennis. Her coach for six years, Nastasia, inspired her to start playing and to continue it in high school. 

Booth says, “I don’t think I’d still be playing if it weren’t for her.”

Through perseverance, her experiences have inspired others. She continued to play a district match with a broken wrist and has seen the famous U.S. Open in-person alongside some of her teammates. This season, she won districts for the fourth year in a row and is now headed on her way to states. 

She proves to be leaving a legacy for future athletes. One of dedication, kindness, and good sportsmanship. She tells how in whatever game she plays, the opponents talk for a while, and the opponents aren’t always kind.

“I just hope that the younger players are nice to their opponents. Even if other schools don’t remember my face or my name specifically, I at least hope that they remember I was kind,” Booth says as she talks about her legacy at Abington Heights High School. 

Her teammate and close friend, Mia Kearney seems to agree.

“She always has a positive mindset and even when she’s not on the courts, she’s cheering on other people who are playing while on the sidelines. That really benefits the team by showing your support.”

Time and time again, Booth shows why she is such a good athlete. She is proof that sports aren’t just in athleticism, but in positivity and sportsmanship as well.