The Emory Senior Spotlight Series continues with a look with current women's tennis student-athlete Stephanie Taylor.
Name: Stephanie Taylor
Hometown (HS): Fort Lauderdale, FL (Pine Crest School)
Sport: Women's Tennis
Major: Nursing
**How did you start getting involved with tennis? How old were you when you started playing?
I started playing tennis when I was four years old. I got into tennis because my older sister, Samantha, was taking lessons from a private coach and my mom would always take me to hit around while she was training. The coach, Brett, took an interest in helping me and the rest is history.
**Do you have any current plans for after graduation?
My plans for after graduation is to become an RN for the Emergency Department here in Atlanta.
**What is one piece of advice you would give to your freshman self?
One piece of advice I would give my freshman self is to remember you do not have to be perfect because there are multiple ways to achieve the same goal.
**Which Emory faculty or staff member has made the greatest impact on you and why?
One of the faculty members that have made the greatest impact on me was Dr. Horigan. She taught the nursing school class of Acute and Chronic as well as Emergency Nursing: Jack of All Trades and hearing her stories and sidebars during lectures fascinated me and really helped solidify that Emergency Nursing was something I would want to do as my career.
**What is one class would you retake just for fun and why?
One class I would retake for fun was my Human Sexuality class. The class spoke about a lot of topics that are becoming more relevant as our culture and society changes and I think there were a lot of topics we could continue to explore and did not have a chance too.
**What is the most unique thing about your hometown?
One of the most unique things about my hometown is that it really is a melting pot of multiple cultures, religion and political views and I think through my nursing school classes and being apart of different organizations, I now have a new appreciation for it.
**What is something that people may not know about you but should?
Something people may not know about me but should is that I really like country music and hope to attend many country music concerts once we are out of lockdown.
**What is one professional athlete (past or present) would you like to have a conversation with and why?
I would love to have a conversation with the Bryan Brothers. Growing up, I have always loved playing doubles and continue to start in the doubles line-up at Emory. Due to my love for doubles, I have grown up watching the Bryan Brothers play together and through their comradery win multiple titles. It would be an honor to hear more about their stories and maybe ways to improve my doubles game as well.
**How have you been trying to occupy your time with given the current COVID environment?
Ways I have been occupying my time is by reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with both friends and family.
**Food you hate that everybody else seems to enjoy?
One food I dislike that everybody else enjoys is Eggs.
**What would you say are your top three movies or television shows of all time?
My top three television shows of all time are 1) Bones, 2) Schitts Creek and 3) Sherlock
**What is your favorite thing to do around Atlanta?
My favorite thing to do around Atlanta is explore the city with my friends whether it be new dining places or going on a new adventure.
**What is your favorite Atlanta restaurant?
My favorite Atlanta restaurant is home-cooked meals from my Aunt Gail and Uncle Jon's house.
**What has been your most memorable moment during competition during your Eagles career?
The most memorable moment during competition that I have had at Emory was when we beat CMS at ITA indoors to rank #1 again. I remember this moment because it was one big cheer, run on the court and a big group hug. It was the best feeling.
**Favorite non-athletic moment from your past few years at Emory?
One of my favorite non-athletic moments I would have to say has been my clinical experience at Grady Marcus Trauma/Emergency Room. I have been rotating through there and have enjoyed meeting new people and putting all of my nursing skills into action.
**Favorite team activity or tradition?
My favorite tradition is every 3 to 4 years going on an International trip. I was fortunate enough to go to Thailand when I was freshmen and it is a once in a lifetime experience that you get to enjoy with your best friends. The memories are never forgotten and I hope this tradition can continue once COVID-19 pandemic is over.
**What would be one thing you'd like to impart to the underclassmen before finishing your career?
I want the mark I leave on the team to be that hard-work, diligence and determination can allow you to achieve any goal no matter how impossible it seems at the start.