DECATUR — Britney Murphree didn’t grow up playing tennis. In fact, were it not for her older brother’s interest in the sport, she may not have begun playing.

Graham Murphree got good enough to eventually earn a spot on East Central Community College’s tennis team, and as he learned the sport, Britney Murphree attended nearly every practice, match and tournament in which her brother participated. By the time she got to high school at Newton County, Britney Murphree began taking lessons herself and competed in USTA tournaments. 

Thursday afternoon, Britney Murphree signed to play tennis at Meridian Community College. Despite a limited time to pick up the sport compared to those who began at a young age, Northwood Country Club tennis pro Anthony Hiatt said Britney Murphree’s work ethic and determination allowed her to excel at the sport.

“She met some roadblocks along the way but never let it get her down,” Hiatt explained. “She’s probably one of the hardest workers I’ve had. I worked with her brother in the past, and it’s just a great family. She’s done everything beyond what I’ve asked.”

Britney Murphree said watching her brother play is what made her want to play tennis, and she also wanted to do it beyond high school like Graham Murphree did.

“It’s extremely special,” Britney Murphree said of earning a spot on MCC’s team. “I’ve worked hard for this.”

Graham Murphree said he wasn’t surprised his younger sister became good enough to play for MCC — he watched her take to the sport immediately, almost as if she had played her entire life.

“What stood out was how quickly she really caught onto it,” Graham Murphree recalled. “It’s probably because she was at every practice I did, so she already had a good idea of how to do it the right way.”

He also called his sister’s work to earn a scholarship to MCC to play tennis humbling.

“I’m proud, because MCC has a great program,” Graham Murphree said. “It seems like they’re either always winning their flights or going to nationals every year.”

In addition to having a top program, Britney Murphree said she felt comfortable when she took a trip to tour MCC.

“I liked the people, and it’s close to home, which was important,” Britney Murphree said. “Their coach (Simon Bardell) was really nice, and I got to me the team, and the girls were really sweet.”

As a senior at Newton County, Britney Murphree said she’s both excited and nervous to be graduating and starting the next chapter in her life.

“I’ll be going to a new place and trying new things,” she said.

But if there’s anyone that can handle making that leap, it’s Britney Murphree, Hiatt said, because of her mental toughness.

“Just going through the ups and downs on and off the court has allowed her to really develop on the court,” Hiatt said. “You can’t teach that. It’s something that you either have or your don’t, and she definitely has it. I couldn’t be prouder for her for this day.”