Wissahickon Grad Moves From Tennis Court to the Seas

Christina Ledwith made an impact on the tennis courts at Wissahickon High School and Richard Stockton College.  Now, she is hoping to make a greater impact on the world’s oceans.

Ledwith completed her final tennis season at Stockton earlier in the school year.  As graduation approaches, the senior is looking towards a career in marine biology.  While Ledwith was happy to get the chance to play tennis at the college level, she chose to go to Stockton to prepare for life in the ocean rather than the tennis court.

“I realized I wanted to do things related to the ocean,” said Ledwith.  “I actually got in to Stockton pretty early.  It was perfect for me.”

Ledwith was one of the few seniors on a young Stockton team looking towards the future.  Ledwith played fourth singles this season after splitting time with singles and doubles the previous two years. 

When she first arrived at Stockton four years ago, Ledwith decided to turn to the soccer field instead of the tennis court.  She had played both soccer and tennis at Wissahickon, but Ledwith decided to switch back to tennis after one season in college.

“I played tennis in high school but I was also a big soccer player,” Ledwith said.  “I tried soccer at Stockton but I really didn’t think it was for me.  I joined tennis and I gained a lot from being on this team.”

Ledwith proved to be the ultimate team player for the Ospreys this season.  While she was hungry for victories when she stepped onto the court, she realized her biggest contribution would be guiding the newcomers and helping them adjust to playing on the college level.

“There were only two of us returning,” said Ledwith.  “It was really about getting the freshmen adjusted to college tennis since it’s really a lot different than high school.  I wanted to help keep the team together.”

Ledwith picked up three wins during the season and only had the chance to play doubles once.  She often played against difficult opponents in her singles matches but approached every match with a positive attitude.

“I’m a better doubles player,” Ledwith said.  “I ended up playing fourth singles.  It was a little difficult.  Fourth singles means you can face an excellent player or someone just thrown in.  I wound up playing a lot of excellent players.”

Ledwith has been keeping busy preparing for life as a marine biologist.  The intense schedule with her studies can often make it difficult to balance academics and tennis, but Ledwith believes it may have actually helped her remain focused during her senior year.

“I think it was better,” said Ledwith.  “You have more of a time frame.  You have to organize what you do better.   I had to balance out the schoolwork and tennis.”

Ledwith’s focus is now locked in on her career.  While she is grateful for her time on the tennis court, she is looking forward to doing her part to help the world’s oceans.  Ledwith is hoping to one day work in the Sunshine State.  It is likely that Ledwith’s goals in her career will outweigh any victories on the tennis court.

“I’m just trying to get into aquariums,” Ledwith said.  “I’d like to do research.  I’d like to go to the Florida Keys and eventually wind up there.  I’d like to do tropical marine biology and reef biology and work on the conservation of those reefs.  There is so much more that can be done.”