Macmanus receives Hirst scholarship

HARLINGEN — Former longtime Harlingen High tennis coach Jerry Hirst died last March, but his spirit continues to live on at Harlingen High. A scholarship in his name, maintained by his family, exemplifies his legacy.

This year, the Jerry Hirst Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Cardinals tennis senior Julia Macmanus.

“It feels great to earn this scholarship,” Macmanus said. “Being able to be a part of the Hirst legacy that continues at Harlingen High’s tennis team. It feels really great to represent what the scholarship means.”

Steve Hirst, the son of Jerry Hirst, said the student-athlete who is awarded the scholarship is a well-rounded person.

“We love that they are tennis players for obvious reasons,” he said. “But we want good kids that care about their academics, that are involved outside of tennis and show great leadership ability.”

Macmanus checks those boxes. She served as a captain for the Lady Cardinals this season, was the girls doubles District 32-6A champion and was the valedictorian for her class.

Alice Hirst, the wife of the former coach, said the reason the family created the scholarship was to continue to give back to students going to college, something to which Jerry Hirst devoted time.

“He spent his whole life trying to help kids get scholarships,” Alice Hirst said. “I think there were over 40 kiddos that he put into position to get tennis scholarships, and in other ways, too. He would look for ways to earn money to help a student get into school. If he knew they were short a little bit, he would send a little letter and help them out. He had that reputation.”

The scholarship was made possible by friends and supporters of Jerry Hirst.

“I cannot tell you how much time we spent out here supporting tennis and the students that play,” Alice Hirst said. “Julia (Macmanus) happens to be one of those that keeps the tradition going. They do not lie when they say ‘Cardinals spirit never dies.’”

Macmanus will use her scholarship at Texas A&M, where she will study business with the goal of becoming a business lawyer.

“I want to thank the Hirst family,” she said. “Not just for the scholarship, but for continuing to be present for the Harlingen High team and promote that excellence.”