The Knoch State Championship Girls Tennis Team has a new coach this season. Cherry Bharati was the assistant coach for the girls’ biggest competitor, Sewickley Academy. For the past few years, these two teams would constantly meet each other at both the WPIAL and State Championships, with extremely close matches and a final score typically being 3-2.
“I have played tennis my whole life and have been a part of a state championship winning team myself,” said Coach Bharati. “I am also currently working as a full time tennis pro, teaching for all ages.”
She enjoys her job working at the Allegheny Country Club because of the ability to interact with many different people of all stages of life. This is allowing her to teach a variety of different skill levels anywhere from a beginner to an advanced player.
Having various skill levels on the team, Coach Bharati is taking her time getting to know all the players and the ways that she can help improve their techniques.
“I am most excited to build relationships with the team,” said Coach Bharati. “I hope to help these girls grow as players and individuals while having them perform at their highest level.”
Sophomore Abby Markiewicz is looking forward to playing new opponents and bettering herself overall this season. She feels that Coach Bharati is fitting right in.
“The team dynamic has changed but in a positive way,” said Markiewicz. “There is a new motivation for self improvement. We are also learning new skills and being taught different techniques because of having a new view.”
Knowing Coach Bharati for most of her life, senior captain Lindsey Greb is enjoying having her as the new tennis coach.
“Coming from a successful team that’s similar to Knoch, Coach Bharati is very knowledgeable,” said Greb. “I think she has done a great job working with our less experienced players and has helped them improve their game.”
Greb is interested to see how the rest of the season plays out, and is excited to play her last year on the team with some of her closest friends.
Coach Bharati is excited to see how this team does this year. “I have high expectations for this year with this very experienced team. I believe that we will go far this season.”
