A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Valley’s Alexandra Thomey

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, October 14, 2024 | 9:54 AM

It’s rare in sports for teammates to have to compete against each other for a chance to move on in a playoff format.

Valley senior tennis player Alexandra Thomey encountered that exact scenario when she and her sister Karrigan had to play their teammates Sophie Harclerode and Lena Fabian for third place in tennis section doubles for a shot at the WPIAL doubles tournament.

“We had practiced against each other for the last three months. They knew everything about us, just like we knew everything about them,” Thomey said. “It was a tough match for sure.”

Thomey and her sister lost the first set 6-1 but stormed back to win the next two 6-1, 6-0.

“I told our teammates that they should feel proud to have made it to that point as sophomores,” Thomey said. “They’ll have so many more opportunities, and I can’t wait to see what they do with the rest of their tennis careers.”

Thomey’s courtside demeanor played a factor in her and her sister’s victory.

“Before a match, she’s cordial and very talkative with the opponent,” Valley coach Mark Diehm said. “But once it’s time for a match, it’s a different story.”

Said Thomey: “Even when there’s a changeover, I want to be your best friend. They definitely call me a chatty Kathy. I’m only aggressive during play, and it’s because I do everything I can to win.”

In the WPIAL doubles tournament, Thomey and her sister lost in the first round to eventual runners-up Brea Kelley and Katie Hardy of North Catholic.

“They were tough, very robotic, and it was amazing to see,” Thomey said. “I looked at my sister and said the outcome of this isn’t going to be too good for us, so let’s just smile and have some fun one last time.”

Thomey took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A:

What’s the connection like between you and your sister on the court?

I would say we’re best friends, but she might tell you something else. I do think we are able to balance each other out so well. There’s no one else I’d rather play with.

Have you always been a doubles player?

No. I played doubles as a sophomore. For the past two years, I’ve been a singles player.

Describe what it’s like in that moment when you flip the switch and become aggressive.

I take a deep breath and say, “Listen, you’re here for a reason. Let’s do it.” I enter a completely different zone. I don’t even know where it comes from.

As one of only two seniors on the team, what have you been teaching the young group this year?

Composure is super important on the court. You have to be able to handle yourself with grace, come off smiling whether you won or lost and know that you played a good match.

What part of your game were you looking to improve on this season?

I wanted to improve my serving, which is something that should be the strongest part of any tennis player’s game. I feel I improved a little bit, but my sister definitely has the better serve between the two of us.

What are your goals for the season?

It was my senior year, and I know I put a lot of pressure on myself last year. I didn’t want to feel that this season. I was all about having fun and taking in the moment.

What part did you play in the “Addams Family” production the school put on?

I played Morticia Addams. It was so much fun. She was one of the more favorite roles I’ve played. We’re putting on “Matilda” this year, and I’m interested to see how that goes.

What other productions have you been a part of?

I have been in every single production they’ve put on since I was in seventh grade. Previously I’ve done “Peter and the Star Catcher,” “Newsies” and “SpongeBob.”

Favorite high school memory so far?

Finding out I was drum major last April.

What other clubs and activities are you in at school?

I’m also in cheer and drama club.

What are your post high school plans?

I’d like to earn my law degree. I’m still looking at schools and thinking about West Virginia University, but it’s still a process.

What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?

I have three cats. I know some people would say that’s excessive.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Enjoy the moment and have fun.

Tags: Valley