Marlie Conway '27 on finding her rhythm through music, mindset, and match point

For junior Marlie Conway, balance is everything — in life, in music, and on the tennis court. Whether she’s leading her section as assistant principal cellist in the orchestra or stepping up to serve in a doubles match, Marlie brings a combination of focus, joy, and perseverance that reflects the very heart of a Stuart education.

A Family Legacy on the Court

Marlie’s connection to tennis runs deep. Her mother grew up playing at Cadwalader Park in Trenton and introduced Marlie to the sport as soon as she could hold a racquet.
“I’ve been playing since I could walk,” Marlie says. “I never really had the thought of quitting. Even when I took breaks to focus on school, I always came back because I just love the game.”

Saturdays are a family affair, when Marlie joins her sisters for small group lessons. “It’s fun to play with them,” she shares, laughing. “Sometimes they don’t want to, but it makes them better.”

What began as family bonding has grown into a true passion. Marlie follows professional tennis closely—especially mixed doubles. “They move like they’re telepathically speaking to each other,” she says. “It’s like watching a brother and sister play—they just get each other.”

At Stuart, Marlie has discovered that same partnership on the court. “I played first doubles sophomore year,” she says. “At first, I worried about making mistakes. But having someone beside you pushes you to do better. You learn to trust, to reset, and to grow.”

Learning to Reset

Those “reset rituals” are part of what defines Marlie’s mindset, both as an athlete and as a student.
“When I make a careless error, like hitting the net because I didn’t bend my knees, I take a second to breathe and reset before the next point,” she explains. “It helps me refocus.”

That approach carries far beyond tennis. “If I don’t do well on a math test or make a mistake with a friend, I tell myself, ‘It’s okay, I’m still the GOAT. I’ll learn from this and be even better next time.’”

For Marlie, it’s about giving her best effort and finding joy in the process. “As long as I’ve had fun, learned something, and given it my all—who cares if I win or lose?”

Music as a Mirror

Just as tennis connects Marlie to her family, so does music. She began playing the cello in second grade through Trinity Strings, a Trenton-based program her grandmother helped make possible. Today, she performs with the Stretto Youth Chamber Orchestra, a nonprofit ensemble that brings music to local communities.

Marlie’s dedication to her craft is evident. She practices nearly every day at 8:15 p.m., treating it as a mindful break from academics. “It’s my time to step away from homework and reset,” she says. “You have to commit. All practice isn’t good practice—only mindful practice helps you grow.”

Her longtime teacher, Dr. Sherry, has been an inspiration. “She has three master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in music,” Marlie shares. “She runs several nonprofit programs just because she loves it. Sometimes I look at her and think, I hope I find something I can be that devoted to.”

Balancing Passion with Purpose

When asked what advice she’d give to younger students trying to juggle school, sports, and hobbies, Marlie’s words echo the wisdom of someone far beyond her years:
“Make the thing you love your reward,” she says. “Tell yourself you get to do it, not that you have to. Once you start seeing progress, you won’t need to convince yourself anymore—you’ll just want to keep going.”

From the concert hall to the tennis court, Marlie brings grace, grit, and gratitude to everything she does—a true reflection of the Stuart spirit.