Name: Marley Ratchford
School: Central Cambria
Age: 17
Grade: 12
Sport: Tennis
Parents: Matt and Dyani Ratchford, of Ebensburg
Athletic achievements: 2022 District 6 Class 2A team champions, 2023 District 6 Class 2A singles champ, 2022 District 6 Class 2A doubles winner and singles runner-up, 2022 and 2023 all-Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference selection and Altoona Mirror athlete of the week.
Coach’s quote: “Marley has been our first singles since she was a sophomore and has had a winning record each year. This record is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She’s a smart player who strategizes during play and has the ability to set up shots. She’s a fighter and a tough competitor, but her sportsmanship never wavers. This year, Marley has stepped up as a true team leader, organizing team building activities and fostering player communication. She is also the team’s comic relief when it’s most needed, which definitely helps after any teammate has a tough loss. She’s an overall outstanding person and athlete.” – Central Cambria tennis coach Kim Cavalier
Favorite subject: Mathematics
Favorite movie: “Mamma Mia!”
Favorite book: “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite teacher (subject taught): Mrs. Sipe (mathematics)
Favorite song: “Taste” by Sabrina Carpenter
Favorite app on your phone: TikTok
Outside interests: Hanging out with friends
If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?: A cheetah because they are very fast and fierce
Favorite athletic team: Penn State football
Athlete most admired: Pro tennis player Coco Gauff
Most influential people on my athletic career: My mom, Dyani
Most impressive athlete that you have competed against: Chestnut Ridge sophomore tennis player Haley Hundley
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the 2023 District 6 Class 2A singles championship
How I got my start: Watching my sister Emma and cousin Olivia Ratchford play tennis
Future goal: Attend Penn State for accounting
– Jake Oswalt
