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Charles Echard

Writer at Tam O'Shanter

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." -Voltaire

Latest posts by Charles Echard (see all)

• Officials evaluate opioid abuse epidemic in Westmoreland County - May 22, 2017
• Opioid epidemic in Westmoreland County has officials struggling to find a solution - May 22, 2017
• Southmoreland graduate represents Boy Scouts of America at international conference - January 31, 2017

After a successful regular season and qualifying for the playoffs, the girls’ tennis team competed in their last match. For sisters Hannah Proch and Elise Proch, both 17, the last girls’ tennis match of the season had added significance. It was their final match together as double partners and Elise’s last match of her senior season.
Elise and Hannah both joined the girls’ tennis team in their respective sophomore years, and ever since Hannah joined, the sisters have played side-by-side. They have remained double partners ever since the younger sister joined the team in 2015 and haven’t been separated since. For a reason.
“They just work so naturally together,” said senior first singles player Kaitlyn Walch.
The Proch sisters reflected the reason for their natural companionship: their shared love for one another and tennis.
“Playing doubles with my sister was the highlight of my time on the team,” said Hannah. “We make a natural team, and I couldn’t ask for a more caring partner than Elise.”
Elise didn’t flinch when burdened with the task of determining what she would miss most about tennis.
“I’m going to miss playing tennis, but I’m going to miss playing alongside my sister the most,” said Elise.
The sisters’ relationship is not limited to the tennis court. In fact, their tenure on the tennis team strengthened the sister’s companionship elsewhere. The sisters, while two different individuals, can be found side by side quite often. Many of the sisters’ friends are mutual, including senior Gretchan Baker, 17.
“They have the stereotypical sibling fights you’d expect,” said Baker, “but they cannot be separated.”
On and off the tennis court, the Proch sisters have shown the student body what a “dynamic duo” can accomplish together. Through their respect and love for one another, the sisters have set a precedent for siblings at Southmoreland: working together works.