Senior Holly Xue is a National Merit Scholar and on the varsity tennis team. She is president of the Lovejoy Music Medicine club and a member of the Junior World Affairs Council. 

At a Glance:

Favorite tennis player: Emma Raducanu, US Open champion

Most effective method of study: Active recall 

Favorite pre-match meal: Chick-fil-a and fruit

Favorite book: “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Ben Carson

Looking Deeper:

The Red Ledger: How do you balance competing on varsity tennis and being a National Merit Scholar? 

Holly Xue: I think the key to balancing tennis and academics is being proactive with where you devote time. Although this may mean making sacrifices, I find tennis and spending time on the court a refreshing break from academics.

TRL: What does being a National Merit Scholar mean to you?

HX: Personally, I am grateful to be a National Merit Scholar, as it is a rewarding outcome for years of dedication and taking rigorous courses.

TRL: Do you participate in any other extracurriculars? 

HX: I am president of the Lovejoy Music Medicine club and a member of the Junior World Affairs Council. I also enjoy serving at my church. 

TRL: How long have you been playing tennis? 

HX: I started playing tennis in 8th grade. I always enjoyed watching tennis tournaments like the US Open and Wimbledon, and I also played some for fun with my family and older brother, who used to be on the varsity team.

TRL: What is your schedule like between school and tennis during the week? 

HX: We normally have practices in the afternoon that end around 5 and our weekly tennis matches are around 4-7 every Tuesday. Aside from tennis, I’m usually completing school work or am involved in other extracurriculars.

TRL: Do you have a role model or inspiration? 

HX: My parents are definitely my role models and support system. They have taught me the values of hard work and service. 

TRL: What does it take to become a high performing tennis player and student? 

HX: I think commitment, practice and confidence translates to success in tennis, while time management, hard work, sacrifice and having a supportive and encouraging environment allow for academic success.