Hannah Riley Leading the Way for Ellington-Somers

When the Ellington-Somers tennis team needs a victory, all it has to do is look to No. 1 singles player Hannah Riley. The Ellington sophomore is 7-1 on the season, having won 14 sets and losing only two.

Her only loss was to Avon on Friday.

"I'm sure she'll be putting a star next to the return match with Avon for another crack at that girl," - coach Rich Willis said.

Riley will get that chance on May 19 in the final match of the season.

Willis says that Riley leads the team by example with her work ethic and play. 

"She is very determined and is always looking to improve," he said. "She has a terrific work ethic in practice and it's one of the hallmarks of her success. On the court she is focused and determined."

While Riley is obviously an already talented player, she is working to improve even more.

"She's looking to round out her game so she can be effective playing different styles of tennis against opponents with varying styles," Willis said.

 More about Hannah Riley

1. When did you start playing tennis? What got you started?

I started playing tennis when I was around nine by taking summer lessons at a swim and tennis club. After realizing that I loved the sport, I joined the tennis team at the same place and took lessons over the winter too. I got started because I wanted to follow the footsteps of my mom and grandparents, who are also big tennis players. My parents and grandparents are still huge supporters of my tennis playing today.

2. What is your favorite tennis moment?

My favorite tennis moment was when I won my first tournament in December, 2008. I remember trying so hard to win because I was determined to walk away with a trophy. When I was awarded the first place trophy, I saw the proud look on my grandfather's face (my grandfather is my unofficial coach who I can always count on being there) I felt very accomplished.

3. What do you do to get ready for a tennis match?

In preparation for a tennis match, I usually get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. I also make sure that my water bottle is filled with ice cold water before I leave. Before a match, I stretch to ensure that I don't pull a muscle while I am playing and make sure I call/ talk to my grandfather for some pre-match advice.

4. Do you play any other sports? If not, do you play on any premier tennis teams or anything?

Since tennis is the only sport I play, I play a lot of it. During the spring, I play on the Ellington school team, but I also take private lessons and do several clinics at Manchester Racquet Club. Over the summer, I play on an Ellington USTA team and on the tennis team at the South Windsor Swim and Tennis Club. During the fall and winter, I take indoor lessons weekly and play on the boy's ladder at the Manchester Racquet Club. Also during the winter, I play on the Manchester USTA team. Lastly, throughout the year, I play in several different USTA tournaments over the weekends. I usually play singles tournaments, but occasionally I play doubles with my partner, Lauren.

5. What are some of your hobbies when you're not playing tennis?

 Some of the things I like to do while I'm not playing tennis are riding my bike, ice skating, and drawing and painting. I take art classes at school and love them. I'm also involved in mural club at my school along with Rise Above, a club where high-schoolers are committed to being substance free, and ping pong club.