Perk Valley Peak Performer—Emily Wendel

When venturing to the Perkiomen Valley High School campus, it’s hard to find a fiercer competitor than this weeks PV peak performer Emily Wendel.

Wendel got hooked when she first picked up a racquet at the age of 9 in third grade. Since then, it has been a whirlwind journey of improvement and self growth that has involved countless hours of practice, workouts and tournaments.

“I first watched tennis on TV, and I just loved it from the start,” said Wendel. “It’s such a mental game. Of course, you have to be physically ready to play, but the aspect of the game that gets overlooked is how tough it mentally.”

Being thrust into the role of the number one singles player on a very talented Vikings team, which some would see as a daunting task, is something that Wendel not only has refused to shy away from, but also relishes. Posting a 5-1 record thus far in the season Wendel has helped the Vikings build a 4-2 team record thus far in the Pac-10. 

“I have worked very hard to get to where I am,” said Wendel  “As a freshman, I just wanted to make the team last year. To have the chance to be on varsity as the number one singles is something that I am very proud of. I would not be where I am with out the help and supports of my coaches and teammates.”

A few years ago, Wendel met her personal coach, Elizabeth Tassone, who trains students at Great Valley Racquet Club, and it was then that her game hit new heights and started to tap into the potential that Tassone saw in the feisty teenager.

“Emily is so athletic and probably has the best movement of any player I have ever seen,” said Tassone as we caught up to her observing her protégé in league action. “She is so fluid that she really seems to play a lot older than she is. The three things that really set her apart are her desire and intensity and passion. Add to that the patience that she has, [and] it makes for a lethal combination.”

Getting to know our featured student:

If you could play a double match with any three people in the world, who would they be?

It would have to be Lexi Crovetti (Phoenixville); she is my BFF. Then, I would say John Isner and Bethanie Mattek-Sands (pro tennis stars). That would be such a great of tennis and conversation.

What are your goals in the future? Will we see you at Flushing Meadow (site of the US Open) someday?

I would love to play in college. I don’t think I would ever want to go professional, but some USTA tournaments would be awesome.

If we tapped into your headphones before a match or while you were training, what kind of music would we hear?  

Some kind of alternative music, John Mayer, Jack Johnson or Maroon 5, maybe. I would have to check my playlist, I have a bunch.

What's the most important aspect of your training regiment or any nutrition tip that may help others when they train?

Stay hydrated. I drink a lot of water and energy drinks; even the day before a match, I start building for fluids I will lose. Also, play all the time. I play any tournaments I can all year round, and the more you play, the easier it is to improve the small things in your game.

If you have one, who would be your celebrity crush or some one you really admire?

That’s easy, Rafael Nadal. Not only is he such a great player, he’s gorgeous. He’s my secret husband; he just doesn’t know it yet.

Final Thoughts

It’s all about playing a good match. Whether you win or lose, it’s important to focus on playing your game and improve from there. So far the highlight of playing is being the number one singles player on my team. But I have to keep working, because there is always someone who wants that spot.