BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Many athletes today like to pride themselves on being the first person to show up and the last person to leave. But not many can say they’ve received an award for it.

Abby Chalasani, a senior tennis player at New Town High in Baltimore, received The Rock award from her coach as a result of the hard work she puts in for her team. It is this work ethic that has led to her success as a tennis player and as a student.

Chalasani has played tennis for three years as a varsity singles player, all while carrying on a heavy load of other extracurricular activities. She has been a member of the mock trial club for the last two years and has been on the school’s “It’s Academic” team for the past three. She has also played a major role with New Town’s TV and morning show, working as its director and as an anchor for three years.

“It was nerve-wracking at the beginning,” Chalasani said. “I didn’t really want to be an anchor, but I was forced on one day. It was good, though. I’m usually a shy person, and it allowed me to open up.”

Chalasani excels in the classroom, as well, carrying a cumulative grade-point average of 3.9. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the honor roll since her freshman year. She is in the top five percent of her senior class.

After she graduates in June, Chalasani will attend the University of Maryland-Baltimore County for pre-pharmacy. She hopes to become a pharmacist, just like her father.

“I’ve been interested in what he’s been doing since I was probably 10 or 11,” she said. “My sister is a pharmacist in the making, too, so it’s sort of a family business.”

Though college will undoubtedly be a busy time for her, tennis will still remain an important part of her life. She has already signed up for the UMBC tennis club and plans on competing for a varsity spot.

“Whether I play on varsity or not, I just want to play for the fun of it,” she said.