Minnesota Tennis Hub | MN High School Tennis

QUICK Q&A: TAYLOR SHORTLY, FOREST LAKE SENIOR

Taylor loves playing for her mom, who also is her coach. She says her mom's coaching is the reason for all her past success and the chance to qualify for the state tournament this upcoming season.

Who's been your greatest inspiration in your tennis career? Ever since I was little, I wanted to be just like Venus Williams. My mom has been the most inspirational on a personal level. She taught what that neon-colored ball was and has been through everything.

As a fan, what's your all-time favorite sports moment? Sara Tucholsky from Western Oregon hitting her very first, and last, home run while playing Central Washington. While rounding first, she tore her ACL. So, Mallory Holtman and the opposing team carried Tucholsky around the bases so that she would get the only home run of her career.

To get pumped for a match, I listen to... "I'm Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO.

Your top five female tennis players of all time are...? Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Kim Clijsters, Venus Williams and either Lindsey Davenport or Monica Seles.

What tennis player(s) do you model your style of play after and why? Martina Hingis. I do not hit with a lot of power. However I have solid groundstrokes, which make me a backboard.

What are three movies in your DVD collection? "Bridesmaids," "A Walk to Remember" and "FernGully: The Last Rainforest."

The most dynamic player in tennis, right now? Novak Djokovic. Aside from the fact that he has improved immensely, he brings personality into the game.

Craig Malveaux