Player to watch: Nadia Schimony
LANSDALE, PA - Lansdale Catholic senior Nadia Schimony has always been a star player with a vibrant personality on and off the court. Schimony joined the team as an incoming freshman with hopes of meeting new friends.
"Coming in as a freshman I wanted to try something new and make new friends as the school year was starting," said Schimony.
Her first year she played third doubles with a fellow freshman, Caitlin Hoos, or as Schimony likes to call her “queen of the allies”. “That season was so much fun now that I think of it,” added Schimony.
Schimony and Hoos played incredibly well together and had an amazing first season. Schimony's future on the team was looking bright, but sadly she was unable to return to the courts her sophomore year because of a knee injury.
"I've had a reoccurring dislocating patella since 6th grade," said Schimony.
Nadia Schimony prepares to show her opponent her wicked serve. - PSD Photo
Schimony returned her junior year stronger than ever. She played third singles and was a very dominant player on the court. Unfortunately, injury struck the young athlete yet again in March when she dislocated her left knee. Despite months of physical therapy, Schimony had to undergo surgery this past May to correct her MCL injury.
As she goes into her senior year and last tennis season at Lansdale Catholic, Schimony is hoping to get back on the courts as soon as possible. If and when Schimony is able to start playing again, she will be returning to doubles.
"Coach B (Wendy Bradshaw), my parents, and I all agreed it would be in my best interest to stay away from singles this season. Although I prefer singles matches, it's too hard on the knees with quick cuts and turns," explained Schimony.
Nadia Schimony uses her powerful overhead smash during a match. - PSD Photo
Despite the change, Schimony stays positive, "I am pretty pumped for doubles since I haven't played doubles since freshman year and I love playing the net,” said Schimony.
She also has high hopes for her whole team this season. "I have pretty high expectations of our team this year considering we were in the PCL championship last year and could play with those girls from O’Hara, a bunch who graduated last year. I have no doubt in my mind we will go further this year. Tennis is a mental sport, and for us, I believe if we keep a collected and positive state of mind, we will succeed,” said Schimony.