A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Kiski Area’s Ambur Orowitz

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, October 9, 2023 | 10:58 AM

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Kiski Area’s Ambur Orowitz keeps realistic expectations when it comes to tennis.

No matter how she plays or how far she advances in the WPIAL playoffs, she is proud of what she has accomplished along the way.

She was happy to finish fourth in the section singles tournament this year, which meant she qualified for the WPIAL singles championships, where she lost to Pine-Richland’s Caroline Prisk in the first round.

Orowitz was prouder of the moment she got to share in section doubles with her sister, Aubrie, a freshman on the team.

“I’m glad we were able to play together,” Ambur said. “Because even though it was only one year, I think we made the best of it.”

Kiski Area coach Trent Goerk expounded.

“Because it was only going to happen once,” he said, “just being with her sister and accomplishing that goal together is something I’m sure she would tell you she’s happiest about.”

The tandem advanced to the semifinals in the section doubles tournament before losing to Lucy Zheng and Makinzie Marcus of Franklin Regional.

However, the girls qualified for the WPIAL doubles tournament Oct. 4-5 after beating Carlin Burkovac and Maria Fetter of Latrobe, 6-4, 6-4, in the third-place match.

Quite an accomplishment because the Orowitz girls were figuring out how to play doubles with each other at the start of the year.

“Beginning of the season, I wasn’t sure how that was going to go, but it went well,” Ambur said. “Aubrie and I take private lessons, so we get to play against each other a lot. It helped as we learned how each other hits.”

Ambur took a few minutes for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A:

What was your experience with your run through the section singles tournament this year?

I was very happy to be there. It was a good experience for sure. I got to face a really good player, and it was my first time going to WPIAL singles and I’m happy I qualified for it.

What’s the toughest match you’ve had in your career?

My toughest matches always come against Franklin Regional. They’re just really good, but I enjoy hitting with them. It’s really fun, and it makes me a better player to be able to have some downfalls once in a while.

What part of your game have you tried to focus on or develop throughout high school?

Consistency. Just making sure I hit the balls in all the time and with good power. Just having a consistent game overall.

What all do you do outside of tennis?

I am a musical person. Other than tennis, I do band, perform in the high school musical and I belong to multiple clubs at school, namely book club, bible club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society.

What would you say is your greatest strength?

Staying organized. I always take it one day at a time so I know what to expect and what I have going on. I try to stay on top of things. I have a good work ethic and that helps me get through my busy weeks, even though it may get difficult.

You were the lead in last year’s musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.” Are you shooting for the lead this year?

I’m shooting for it, but whatever happens, happens.

What are your plans for college?

I will be attending Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio. I plan on studying in innovative and industrial design and a minor focus on music and bible study.

Do you plan on continuing to play tennis in college?

As of now, I do plan on playing some form of tennis. I just have to figure out the details of college and what that entails with my schedule.

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

As coach Trent would say, just have fun. Tennis is fun, and that’s why I continue to play it.

Tags: Kiski Area