Catch Up with Junior Mary Beth Hurley
10/29/2019 10:49:47 AM | Women's Tennis
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mary Beth Hurley, a junior on the Ohio State women’s tennis team, hails from Novi, Michigan. She is a two-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten selection. Last season, Hurley was honored as a 2019 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. When Hurley is not on the court, she enjoys rock climbing, movies and family time.
Here’s more on Hurley:
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
A: I am looking forward to an exciting season with some new faces on the team. I am really excited about the fun memories that will be made when we travel on the road together and get to know each other better. I am also looking forward to the Big Ten season as well as the Big Ten Tournament because the team this year has a very special bond and everyone gets along really well so it will make the Big Ten season even more special and rewarding.
Q: Why did you decide to come to Ohio State, being a Michigan native?
A: I decided to come to Ohio State for many reasons. I really liked the coaches, the girls on the team and the values the team represented. The team was very disciplined on the court, showed hard work and really seemed to like each other. All of the girls on the team were laughing with each other, being disciplined on the practice court and making memorable moments with each other. It was a very competitive team and I knew I could improve as a tennis player and a leader on the court because of the team values and environment of Ohio State. I also liked the feel of the campus and the wide variety of classes it had to offer. Ohio State was also the perfect distance from Michigan because my parents could come watch me play in matches but it also was far enough away I could exercise independence and learn to grow.
Q: How did it feel being named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar last season?
A: Being a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar feels extremely rewarding and special. It made me feel good because I have worked very hard, taken tough classes and been very disciplined in academics. It reminds me that the hard work I put into my academics is paying off and it is such an honor to receive a reward.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete of all time?
A: My favorite athlete of all time would have to be Caroline Wozniacki. When I was younger, I used to watch her play in grand slams all the time and really enjoyed her game style mainly because it reminded me of how I tend to play. She also had a very calm, professional attitude when she was playing matches and amazing competitiveness on the court which I enjoyed about her as a professional tennis player.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of the game of tennis?
A: My favorite aspect of tennis is the feeling I have when I hit the ball. I love the feeling of running for balls and using my consistency to grind down opponents in matches. I love the competitive aspect of tennis where I am pushed mentally and physically when playing matches because it makes me a stronger competitor and reminds me of why I fell in love with tennis at such a young age.
Q: What goals do you have set for this year? Both individual and team.
A: Some personal goals I have set for this year are improving speed and agility on the court, improving on leadership skills as an upperclassman and improving on my singles record during the season. Some team goals would include reaching the Top 5 in the country, beating “That Team Up North” and winning the Big Ten Tournament.
