April 13, 2004

The Player to Watch:

Each Week KIDK and ISU Athletics will present the "The Player to Watch", a feature on a top Idaho State University Student-Athlete.

Hayli Scott
Senior, Pocatello, Idaho, Pocatello High School, Women's Tennis

Q: What or who got you started in tennis?
A: "I decided to start playing when 10 years old. It was something I hadn't done before and something that my brother was not doing. I always did what he did and this time I wanted to branch out on my own. Plus I lived close the country club and they offered free lessons to the members."

Q: What interested you in Idaho State University and the tennis program?
A: "I wanted to go to ISU and stay close to home, plus I had known the coach, Bobby Goeltz, for a long tome."

Q: Who is your biggest role model?
A: "My mom, because I can't think of anyone I would like to more like."

Q: What is your favorite part of the tennis game?
A: "The level of competition with every school and competitive spirit within each school is great."

Q: What is your most memorable moment in your athletic career?
A: "It's hard to put one thing as the most memorable moment, but everything summed up throughout my career is the best experience for me."

Q: Which competitions are you most looking forward to this season?
A: "Big sky conference, by far, because that is what we play and prepare all year for."

Q: Do you have any hidden talents that ISU fans should know about?
A: "I have played sports all of my life, basketball, ect. Sports and anything about the outdoors. I guess most people know that about me though."

Q: What are goals for this year?
A: "Do as well as my senior year in high school, if not better. Also, I want to learn the sport better. I am more interested in the team winning and doing well than I am concerned with myself."

Q: What do you feel the teams chances are at the big sky tournament this year?
A: "This year we have one of the best teams for awhile, as far as players go. It is just that we haven't had the winning record. I feel confident that we will do well as a team at the Big Sky Conference Championships."

Q: Do you have any superstitions or pre-competition rituals?
A: " (Laughing) I warm up on the same side of the court that I start on. It is just something I have to do. I also wear a black rubber band on my right wrist only when I am playing a match and I have no reason why, I just have done it for a couple of years now, that I always have one."

Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: "Steffi Graf, because of the way she handles herself in pressure situations and the composure she keeps in those kinds of situations."

Q: What are your personal records so far?
A: "I have had16 wins and 8 loses from the 2004 season in both singles and doubles."

Q: What is your degree going to be when you graduate, and when will you graduate?
A: "I am majoring in public health and I will graduate in May 2005."

Q: What are your plans after tennis and school?
A: "I want to go to massage therapy school and get my license, but I am not sure where just yet."

Q: Are there any words of wisdom that you live by?
A: "You have to believe in yourself before you can achieve anything."

For more information on Hayli, click here to view her biography.

By Jackie Poulson, ISU Sports Information Student Assistant