Bergen Tennis Star Named All-American

One of the best tennis players in Bergen County, and the state, has been named a National High School All-American.

Ashley Hess attends the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest. She won the large school singles Bergen County championship this season and finished in second place in the state tournament.

Hess, of Cedar Grove, was named The Record's Female Athlete of the Week in October.

“I love tennis because I have total control over how I practice, perform, and handle myself on the court," Hess said. "Win or lose, only I know whether I gave it my all and what I can do to improve.”

Hess started taking tennis lessons when she was 4. She took a liking to the sport and gave up playing basketball and taking ballet and piano lessons. She plays three to six hours a day during the summer and about two hours a day during the school year, including after her matches.

"Natural talent can only take you so far in tennis," Hess said. "It takes a lot of hard work to compete at a high level."

Hess' mother played tennis in high school. She and her family regularly attend the U.S. Open tournament in New York.

Hess said she is honored to have received the honor. She learned of the news in an email from Patti Gorsuch, the academy's director of athletics.

"It feels amazing to receive such an honor," Hess said.

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Photo: Ashley Hess playing tennis for the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest. (Courtesy of Academy of Holy Angels)