Not sure if you should sign up for a team and pursue an unexplored interest? Just do it, said Bridgette Burkholder. “If you want to try something, go for it,” she recommended. “Never be afraid to walk onto a (team), ‘cause if you practice and you work hard you can always get better and progress.”
Burkholder is living proof. She started playing tennis just two months before her freshman year but improved quickly, advancing to the district tournament as a sophomore. Now, she’s aiming even higher.
Double the fun
Burkholder plays No. 1 doubles with teammate Morgan Galusha, also a junior. Their season record was 6-2 through last week. “My partner and I complement each other really well. We both have pretty good net and ground games,” said Burkholder.
Odd couple
The girls work well together despite a major physical difference: Burkholder is 5-foot-9 and Galusha is 5-2. Said Burkholder, “We balance each other out.”
High hopes
Last season the duo qualified for districts at No. 1 doubles, losing a three-set match in the first round. This spring, Burkholder hopes to take another big step: “We want to go a lot farther this year (and) hopefully make it through a few rounds.”
Coach’s corner
“Everyone likes Bridgette. She’s really a solid kid,” said Arlington coach Sean Cunningham.
“She’s not necessarily the most naturally gifted athlete on the team, but she compensates by working hard and having a good attitude.”
Super server
Andy Roddick is one of Burkholder’s favorite pro tennis players. Why? “He’s cute,” she said, laughing. OK, but what else? “His serve is amazing,” Burkholder said of Roddick, who regularly drills 130-plus-mph serves. Asked what might happen if she had to return a Roddick rocket, Burkholder said, “I figure it’d go right through my racket. I couldn’t touch it.”
Always active
Tennis is just one of Burkholder’s numerous interests. She plays the flute and recently returned from a school band trip to California. A member of the National Honor Society and French club, she also participates in Future Business Leaders of America and Knowledge Bowl.
What do you collect?
Autographed baseballs. Burkholder started collecting them in 1995 when the Seattle Mariners had a remarkable season, winning their first division championship and beating the Yankees in the AL Division Series.
Favorite chow
Ham and cheese sandwiches, and fried chicken. “That’s kind of my comfort food,” she said.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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