Patch Whiz Kids of the Week: Episcopal Academy's Girls Tennis Team

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week, we highlight the hardworking Episcopal Academy Girls Tennis Team.

Patch Whiz Kids of the Week: Episcopal Academy Girls Tennis Team

Whiz Kids’ Ages: From eighth grade to seniors in high school.

Whiz Kids’ School:

Whiz Kids’ Accomplishment: Out of seven schools in the Inter-Ac league, the girls tennis team claimed the 2011 Inter-Ac title by defeating Springside Academy 7-0. It is the ninth league championship in 11 years for the team. The team currently has a record of 12:2 and will face Agnes Irwin on Friday.

Whiz Kids’ Key to Awesomeness: Coaching his 11th season with the girls tennis team at Episcopal Academy and clinching their ninth league championship win, Whitaker Powell believes it's a combination of things that make this team great.

"It's really a combination of things–they're really good kids that work hard," shared Powell. "I like to tell them, 'Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.' Talent gets you so far but if you don't work hard then you won't get anywhere."

Whether they're on the courts running drills, warming up or playing a match, all 14 girls show up to play with intensity no matter what the task is at hand. It's 'no excuses' on the courts, a motto the team has adopted.

"The only thing that they can control is on their side of the court. They can't control if a girl is cheating, if it's windy, they can only control what's on their side of the court," explained Powell.

Powell not only credits the team's hard work and dedication to the sport but also the random, talented pool of athletes he received this season due to the school's sports requirement.

"I get athletes from all different sports–I have lacrosse players, squash players. They bring a different mindset than the traditional country club players," said Powell. The mindset with those athletes and with those single player specialists, brings the core to this team. If you don't have kids that have talent, then you won't win. I've been really blessed with talented kids."

Traditionally an individual sport, the girls have united together for another successful season. "They have a sense of camaraderie–our strength has always been our doubles teams."

"The first singles match is just the same as the third doubles team," continued Powell. "If we're not winning anywhere else, we're not winning."

Motivating his team, Powell asks them, "What's the legacy you want to leave behind?"

But Episcopal Academy's girls tennis team has already left their legacy a number of seasons ago and continues to go on strong.

Editor's note: Know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.