Our first Orange Panther of the Week for the 2025-2026 academic year is senior soccer and tennis player Molly Kruse. Through three dual matches, Kruse has already won six overall matches this season. Earlier this week, Kruse captured a singles match against Western Alamance’s Fiona Dang 6-1, 6-1. Later, she teamed with Kalynn Mason to win at #1 doubles 8-1. It was the 200th career win over Orange tennis coach Justin Webb. On Wednesday, Orange won its first-ever match in the Big Seven Conference, in any sport, sweeping Cedar Ridge in Mebane. Kruse is just in her second year playing tennis, but she has adapted quickly. Last year, Kruse was on Orange’s top doubles team with Shannon Sollars and helped the Lady Panthers reach the second round of the 3A State Playoffs for the third time in school history. Kruse’s top sport is soccer and is looking forward to returning to the pitch for a full season in 2026. Kruse comes from a competitive family. Her brother is the all-time leading scorer in Orange lacrosse history. Her father played lacrosse at North Carolina and Johns Hopkins. Kruse will look to continue a strong start to tennis season next week when Orange faces Southeast Alamance on Monday. The Lady Panthers return to league action at Carrboro on Wednesday.
