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Name: Marley Ratchford
School: Central Cambria
Age: 16
Grade: Junior
Sport: Tennis
Athlete of the week achievement: Ratchford avenged a regular-season loss to top-seeded Julia Ritchey of Central with a 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 win in the District 6 Class 2A individual championship match.
Season update: Ratchford advances to compete in PIAA state competition, which will be held in Hershey on Nov. 2-3.
Coach Kim Cavalier's quote: "She played well, obviously. She was down 5-3 in the third set and came back to win the next four. That showed incredible mental perseverance and fortitude. She really dug deep and fought hard for it. For her to hold it together and come back and win just shows the type of athlete Marley is."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Gallaher
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite movie: "Encanto"
Favorite food: Hibachi
Favorite song: "Forever and Always" by Taylor Swift
Outside interests: "Hanging out with friends, shopping and watching movies with my family."
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite college team: Penn State football
Pro athlete most admired: Coco Gauff
Best athlete I ever competed against: Hollidaysburg's Crosby Denis
Most influential person on my athletic career: My mom, Dyani Ratchford
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the District 6 Class 2A individual championship
How I got my start in tennis: "My older sister Emma played and my cousin Olivia, so I was always following them and it got me into playing the sport."
Future goal: "Continue my education in college."