Q
Most memorable moment on the court?
Geis: When I sent a ball smashing up the line and won the point for my team! Harrison: Playing in Fall USTA Southern California Championships, and my partner and I were down five games to two in the second set and ended up winning seven games to five and won the match. Vaughan: It is not a single moment, but all the friends I have met playing.
Q
Where is your favorite place you have traveled to play in If you had a chance a tournament or to to meet your favorwatch a live match? ite pro tennis player, Geis: I haven’t had the opportunity to travwho would it be? Keathley: My ritual before a match is getting there. Pumping up music helps also.
Q
Geis: I would enjoy meeting John McEnroe. He has so much passion for the game. He has played with so many legends and he has witnessed first hand the evolution of tennis through the years. I would love to sit and chat with him about his career and the game in general.
el yet for a tournament. However, I did get to play against my husband in the Bahamas this year! My dream is to go to London and watch a match during Wimbledon!
Harrison: My favorite tennis pro is Serena Williams; she is not only a great tennis player but also a great entertainer. You never know what you’ll see when you watch one of her matches. My first question would be “Do you want to go hit?” Vaughan: Federer, I would ask him to sign an autograph for my mom; she is a huge fan. Keathley: The tennis pro I would like to meet is Roger Federer, and I would ask him if he could get me courtside tickets to the French Open.
Corey Keathley Keathley: My most memorable moment on the court is winning a tough match with my doubles partner Cara at Indian Wells for USTA finals.
Q
Do you have a ritual you do before a match? If so, what is it?
Geis: I make sure I eat a great breakfast and turn my iPod to my favorite playlist! Harrison: Prior to a match, I always try to work out on volleys, ground strokes, service returns and those that play with me know I always chew gum. Vaughan: No, I just try not to be late.
Q
Do you prefer to play singles or doubles? Why?
Geis: Singles are fun, but not very many women play. Doubles would have to be my favorite because I get to work with my partner and feed off her energy. Having a partner and learning to work together is a positive challenge. I like learning how our strengths and weaknesses can work together to make us better players. Harrison: I am a doubles and mix doubles player. I love the speed of the doubles game, the quick net exchanges, having a target at the net, the love of doubles strategy and of course, giving your partner a high five after the last point is won. Vaughan: Doubles, I like the social aspect of doubles. Keathley: I mostly play doubles. It’s good fun and good friends with more opportunity for strategy.
Kori Harrison Harrison: My favorite tournament I’ve played in was the USTA National Championships in Sacramento 2008 and Las Vegas 2009. Vaughan: I went to the Paribas in Indian Wells with a group of friends. It was beautiful and the tennis was fantastic. Keathley: That’s easy, my favorite place I’ve traveled to watch tennis is London, England at Wimbledon last summer.
Q
How many years have you been playing tennis?
Geis: I have been playing for two and a half years. Harrison: Eight years. Vaughan: Five. Keathley: 12 years. Continued on page 64 www.BakersfieldLife.com 63