FEATURED “PRO OF THE MONTH” — BRIDGET MERRICK Originally from Buffalo, NY, Bridget Merrick has been playing and competing in tennis since the age of 6. Bridget attended the University of Richmond on a 4-year Division I tennis scholarship, playing in the top 2 singles and doubles spots and ending her collegiate career ranked in the top 10 of doubles teams. She competed on the Women’s Pro Tour after college and gained a world ranking in both singles and doubles. Bridget has over 25 years of experience coaching tennis and mentoring students. She started as a Super Na- tionals Coach at Pass Academy (formally 4 Star), then moved to the Director of Junior Tennis at River Bend and is now at Army Navy. Bridget will approach her 10- year mark at ANCC in February 2025. Additionally, Bridget was named Female Athlete of the year at the end of her collegiate career at the University of Richmond. In 2006, Bridget was inducted into her high school hall of fame as well as the Buffalo Tennis Hall of Fame. Aside from teaching on the court, Bridget has been a USTA 10 & Under League Coordinator since 2011. She sits on the Board of Directors as Vice President of USPTA’s Mid-Atlantic division, holds the Chair of the USPTA’s Women’s Committee, and is Race Director for the Capitol Hill Classic – DC’s largest 10K road race. Bridget is also an avid runner and 9-time marathoner (MCM x7 and Boston x2).
Q & A with Bridget:
Q: What do you like most about working at ANCC? A: I truly enjoy working with the members and being a part of operating one of the best, largest, and most successful racquets programs in the country. Q: What do you like most about coaching tennis? A: I appreciate that each student and lesson is different. I love approaching every lesson uniquely and tailoring my coaching around everyone’s needs and way of learning. Q: Who is your favorite professional tennis player, and why? A: Roger Federer – Roger is my favorite tennis player for many reasons, but mostly because of his respect for the sport and his opponents. He has the most beautiful game to watch. Q: In your own game, what is your favorite shot to hit? A: My favorite shot is my crosscourt one-handed backhand.
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