Local Tennis Star Winning

Trophies, Medals, Plaques  

  By Melani Johnson

 

At age twelve, Yasmine Taylor has already received a bunch of awards and trophies for her outstanding ability in tennis.   She is currently ranked tenth in Louisiana.

 

“I love getting to compete against other kids my age. Some day I hope to be number one in the state for my division,” she said.

 

Taylor began playing tennis when she was just seven years old. The second she picked up a racket she was hooked. “After playing tennis once, Yasmine never had the urge to try another sport. She absolutely fell in love with the game of tennis,” said Margaret Taylor, Yasmine’s mother.

 

Yasmine Taylor with her tennis trophies, medals and plaques.

Monday through Friday, Yasmine commutes an hour to Southern Oaks Athletic Club of Jones Creek in order to practice. As if two hours of practice five days a week wasn’t enough, Yasmine yearns for the court ever minute of every day.

 

“If Yasmine wants to practice on Saturdays my husband will drive her to Southern Oaks to hit some balls. Yasmine works hard and sacrifices a lot. It is like a full time job!” said Margaret Taylor.

 

Yamsine’s enthusiasm and dedication has paid off. Her high ranking in the Louisiana Girls 12 Division is just the tip of the iceberg. She was ranked as high as number 92 in the South for Girls 12 Division this year. The Southern section ranking covers nine states: Louisiana; Alabama; Mississippi; Arkansas; North Carolina; South Carolina; Georgia; Tennessee; and Kentucky.

 

Yasmine has won many trophies, medals and plaques for achieving first place, runner-up, third place or fifth place in the singles division levels three, four and five. She has also placed first and as runner-up in double division tournaments.

 

Not only is Yasmine successful on the tennis court, but she is extremely successful in the class room. Yasmine has a 3.89 GPA at Northwestern Middle School.   Naturally she has big dreams for her future. “I want to be a professional tennis player and a doctor when I get older,” said Yasmine.

 

“It makes me feel really happy to see how hard working Yasmine is,” said Margaret Taylor.   “She already shows so much determination in every thing she does.”

 

When Yasmine is not on the tennis court, she can usually be found reading a book. She is currently reading a Serena Williams autobiography and a book from The Warrior series.

“Serena and Venus Williams are my favorite professional tennis players. I dream to be like them one day!” said Yasmine.