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Name: Julia Ritchey
School: Central
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Sport: Tennis
Athlete of the week achievement: Ritchey avenged a loss in last year's District 6 Class 2A singles championship to Central Cambria's Marley Ratchford and won, 6-3, 6-2, to claim the district title.
Season update: Ritchey finished 3-0 against Ratchford this season and will advance to play in the state championship tournament. Ritchey is 15-3 overall this year.
Coach Shaun Coppersmith's quote: "She is really dedicated and works just as hard as anyone I've seen in any sport. Getting her to try and take a break to rest is hard to do. She's been our No. 1 player for four straight years. Her work ethic on the court has rubbed off on the team and got our girls really interested in improving every day. She now has four District 6 2A medals, runner-up in both doubles and singles and first in both doubles and singles. She really worked hard on her game in the offseason, and it paid off with her winning the singles championship this year."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Buynack
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite movie: "Mamma Mia!"
Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite song: "Enchanted" by Taylor Swift
Outside interests: Hanging out with friends, baking, working out and going to church.
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: Ben Shelton
Best athlete I ever competed against: Alyssa Kush from Westmont Hilltop
Most influential person on my athletic career: "My dad, Cary Ritchey, who spent countless hours playing tennis with me and coaching me throughout high school.''
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the District 6 2A singles title
How I got my start in tennis: "My grandma Suzy introduced me to tennis at the age of 8, and I have loved it ever since."
Future goal: Playing for a college tennis team