Commitment Profile
Blue Chip Junior Katharine Fahey Commits
by Peter Green, 10 March 2014
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Katharine Fahey, now a high school junior, has been traveling all over the country playing sports since she was eight years old. She played softball. lacrosse and tennis. At age 13 she knew she had to make a choice and she chose tennis.
"I am still friends with many of the girls I played the other sports with, many of whom are going to play those respective sports at a Division I College. I have always enjoyed playing in a team setting and sharing the joy of playing a sport with other people."
Kate says that her favorite junior tennis experience was last summer's Junior Fed Cup in California. She talks about the experience, remembering the last dual match on the final day.
"We had already won the doubles point, and were up 3-2 in the match. I was in a tight second set and knew I had to play my best to pull out the match. I was about to serve for the match at 5-4 in the second when I heard my teammates - who had already finished their matches - cheering for me. I am not used to hearing anything but my opponents screaming and refs yelling in the USTA environment, so I looked towards the commotion and I was confused. I saw them lined up on the court next to me cheering me towards victory. Unaware of what was going on, I thought about the score and realized my potential win would secure the victory for the team. I realized then that I was playing for more than myself, USTA points, and ranking. I was playing for a team of accomplished girls and a chance to represent my section."
The setup yielded a happy ending for Fahey.
"With the help of my coach and my teammates, I ended up winning the match and securing the win for the team. The feeling after the victory was different than what I usually experience at individual tournaments. At that moment, I knew I had not only made myself happy - but also my coach and all of my teammates. I loved cheering for the girls that I competed against all my life. I was no longer playing for myself - I was playing for my team, and that was a great feeling. I got to see how crucial each match was and how putting the team's success over my own was the best thing I could do. I'm looking forward to carrying that team attitude into college tennis and becoming the best team player I can be."
The Blue Chip junior is ready to make that college decision. In Fall 2015, Fahey plans to play college tennis at the University of Michigan.
"I was looking for a school that had the right balance of academics and athletics. After visiting the University of Michigan and talking to alumni and current students and athletes, I knew I had found that balance."
Fahey did her homework before committing, talking to many people around and involved with Michigan. She liked what she heard.
"I visited twice. I spoke to past players who played under Coach Bernstein as well as other people who had been athletes at Michigan. They all had nothing but great things to say about the school and the tennis program. Everyone I have talked to said they loved their experience there and would not have had it any other way.
The 5'8" right-hander's visits to Ann Arbor were a huge factor in her decision. Coach Ronni Bernstein and the Michigan players made a lasting impression on Fahey.
"I had a great feeling when I visited, and I knew it was where I wanted to have my college experience. There is something about the school that makes it feel like it's one great big family, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. The girls on the team and the coaches were really what sealed the deal for me. All of the girls really care about each other and put the success of the team over their own personal desires.
"The coaches and team have created a strong family atmosphere that I did not find anywhere else. I also could not ask for a better duo than Coach Bernstein and Coach Fitch. Both have played on the pro tour and have a ton of experience between them. I already felt comfortable with them after my first visit, and I believe they can help me reach my highest potential. They know my game and what it will take to get me to the next level. Now that I'm committed, my goals are to improve as much as possible before I get to Michigan and to make as big an impact on the team as I can. I'm looking forward to helping the team achieve its goals and reach its highest potential."
