Jan. 18, 2012
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- Iowa and the Big Ten Network
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa freshman Shelby Talcott arrived on campus as a five-star recruit according to TennisRecruting.net. The Long Island, N.Y., native lived up to the billing, as she won Big Ten Player of the Week honors on Sept. 21 after going 3-1 in singles and 4-0 in doubles in her collegiate debut at the Gopher Invitational. She ended the fall with a team-high nine doubles wins and a 7-6 singles record. Hawkeyesports.com met up with Talcott to talk about her fall season.
Why did you choose the University of Iowa?
“One of the big reasons I choose Iowa was because of the coaching staff here. I feel like I can really improve and I want to take my tennis to a level where I can play after college.”
How big of an adjustment has college been after being home schooled?
“Going to classes, probably. I’m not used to that. Time management was a big adjustment for me.”
What is the difference between junior tennis and college tennis?
“The biggest difference would be the consistency levels in junior and college tennis. In college tennis, you consistently play really good players and in juniors sometimes it’s a little iffy.”
During the fall season, what did you do to keep yourself entertained on road trips?
“We did homework a lot. We watched movies. Any time we got off was spent mostly studying or relaxing, getting ready for our next matches.”
If you could play a tennis match against anyone, who would it be? Why?
“Andre Agassi because he’s one of my favorite tennis players.”
You led the team in doubles wins this fall, what was the key to your success?
“Being really aggressive. We worked a lot on our doubles. I think I’ve improved a lot in that part of my game.”
What are your expectations for the team this year?
“I hope we can make the NCAA tournament and do really well this year.”
What person has been most influential on your tennis game?
“My juniors coach, Parsa (Samii).”
What is your favorite place on campus?
“I like downtown because there’s a lot of food. I like to eat.”
What impresses you about the coaching staff?
“They’re really knowledgeable. They pick apart each person, as opposed to grouping us all together.”
What is your favorite thing about the program?
“I really like the intensity and the team atmosphere that we have.”
What has been the best part about being a student-athlete at Iowa so far?
“Everyone is really nice and has been really helpful. Anytime you need anything, there is always someone who can help you out.”