Hutchinson (left) instructs teammates at Section Championship.

First year captain of an 8.0 18 & Over Mixed Doubles team of the Eastern Pennsylvania District, Mary Hutchinson believes a strong part of being a captain is also being a cheerleader. Hutchinson got into the game in her 40s but she has led her team to victory this year with an undefeated record of 8-0 before entering Section Championships.

Hutchinson also plays for a Women’s 55 & Over at a 3.5 and a Women’s 18 & Over at a 7.0. She simply tries to play as much as she can.

Middle states sat down with Mary to discuss being a captain and tennis in general.

Started playing: 15 years ago

Reason for picking up the sport: Hutchinson always watched the game and thought it would be a good game to get into as she got older.

Hobbies outside of tennis: Hutchinson enjoys bike riding and is currently planning on riding her bike cross country in July. Professionally, Hutchinson is a Professor of English at Penn State University.

Favorite part about tennis: Hutchinson enjoys that tennis is a mental game and she very much likes to win.

Hardest part about being a captain: “The hardest part about being a captain is when you don’t play your friends and they get mad at you,” Hutchinson said with a laugh.