Late Bloomer, Lasting Legacy: Southern Lehigh’s Tennis Prodigy Defies the Odds
Introduction
In an era when children clutch miniature rackets almost as soon as they can walk, Southern Lehigh sophomore Leigh Eichelberger (Waters) stands out as an anomaly. Picking up her first tennis racket at age 11, she’s only had five years on court—but that was enough to propel her to become the first District 11 girl ever to claim a PIAA singles championship on Nov. 6, 1994.
A Slow Start, A Rapid Ascent
Eichelberger’s late arrival in tennis circles never felt like a handicap to her. “Everyone said I was a late starter,” she recalled, reflecting on those early tournaments where “everyone else was so much more experienced than I was. I felt no pressure. I was playing for fun, while everyone else was saying, ‘I have to win, I have to win.’” (Morning Call, Nov. 13, 1994) Her relaxed approach allowed her to focus on enjoyment, and her dedication did the rest: in Hershey’s state finals, she outmaneuvered Pittsburgh-area standout Laura Tsaggaris, 6–2, 7–6 (7–4).
Balancing Academics, Team Sports, and Childhood
Despite qualifying for the U.S. Tennis Association 18-and-under nationals, Eichelberger chose to skip the event to compete with her Lehigh Valley Renegades softball team, reasoning, “I thought it was important for me to stay with the team.” (Morning Call, Nov. 13, 1994) At just 15—she won’t turn 16 until May—she deliberately competes in older age brackets to challenge herself, but resists the notion of rushing into the professional ranks. “I know I would not want to be playing pro tennis. Those girls are missing out on so much of their childhood,” she said, alluding to the pitfalls of early pro life exemplified by Jennifer Capriati. (Morning Call, Nov. 13, 1994)
Family and Coaching Support
Athletic prowess runs in the family. Her father, Neil, once drafted by the Chicago Cubs, now lends his competitive spirit, while her mother, Ann, ensures Leigh’s academics stay on track—tutoring her daily when Leigh attended a tennis academy in South Carolina as a seventh grader. Today Leigh hones her technique under former Davis Cup player Fernando Pérez and assistant Jason Harkins at the Upper Bucks YMCA, all while head coach Tom Nonnemacher guides her high-school career—a program boasting nearly 500 victories since 1975.
The All-Court Game
Initially trained as a serve-and-volleyer, then converted to a baseline style at Palmer Tennis Academy, Eichelberger found her stride back home. “We spent the whole summer trying to turn my forehand into a weapon, and it has worked. We also worked on the serve-and-volley,” she explained. (Morning Call, Nov. 13, 1994) Capable of a 100-mph serve and comfortable anywhere on court, she adapts her strategy to each opponent—a versatility Nonnemacher praises: “She has an all-court game. She is a strong baseline player; she has power and she is consistent. She can change according to her opponent.” (Morning Call, Nov. 13, 1994)
Looking Ahead
With doubles indoor nationals in Detroit looming and a Division I college tennis future in sight, Eichelberger approaches the next chapter with characteristic calm: “I want to take it one step at a time. If something came up where I got good enough to go pro, maybe I would. But right now, I just want to go to a top Division I college and play tennis.” (Morning Call, Nov. 13, 1994) Pressure, she admits, may mount now that her name is etched in the record books—but for Leigh Eichelberger, “if I lose, it happens. Whatever happens, happens. I did it once.”
Article Summary
This profile chronicles the remarkable rise of Southern Lehigh’s Leigh Eichelberger, a self-described “late starter” who picked up tennis at age 11 yet became the first District 11 girl to win the PIAA singles title in November 1994. The article explores her unconventional development—balancing tennis with high-school softball, academic commitments, and a desire to savor her youth rather than sprint into the professional sphere. With strong family backing, seasoned coaches, and an evolving all-court game, Eichelberger exemplifies a measured, enjoyment-driven approach to sport. Quotes from Eichelberger, her coaches, and family illustrate her grounded perspective and adaptability. Looking forward, she aims for collegiate competition and perhaps more, but, true to form, remains unhurried, insisting that success shouldn’t come at the expense of childhood.
No comments:
Post a Comment