Junior Taylor Fogleman has made a name for himself on the highly successful Tar Heel squad. Fogleman has achieved a career-high No. 3 ranking in doubles with sophomore Chris Kearney. A successful 2007-08 season has seen him clinch a match over then-No. 4 Baylor at the ITA National Indoor Championship. Fogleman took a few minutes to chat with theACC.com about his tennis career - including an exhibition with two tennis greats - and expectations for the upcoming ACC Tennis Championship.
When did you start playing tennis?
When I was about six years old. My mom, my aunt and both of my uncles played college tennis. (They) were still pretty active when I was growing up, so I just picked it up.
What other teams have you competed on leading up to your college career?
I was on an inter-sectional team when I was 16. Three other guys and myself were part of the Southern team, and we played different sections such as Southern California, Midwest, Middle States, etc.
 | | Taylor Fogleman (right) with doubles partner Chris Kearney |
What is the best advice you have received from a coach?
Probably what our head coach Sam Paul tells us all the time - the hungry dog gets the bone. It means that the amount of hard work that we put in every day, whether it be lifting, running or practicing, pays off in the long run.
Who is your most influential role model?
My father because of his work ethic. His temperament is pretty even-keel. He never gets too excited or too down, and that's something I like to emulate.
What is your most memorable moment in sports, either as an athlete or as a general sports fan?
When I was a junior in high school, I got to play a tennis exhibition with Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. Chef Emeril Lagasse is from my hometown of New Orleans and he was doing a charity event for the public schools called "Emeril's Grand BAM!" which included an exhibition tennis match. I was asked by one of the pros running the tournament to play doubles with Andre Agassi against another girl from New Orleans (Duke's Melissa Mang) and Andy Roddick.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment as an athlete?
I'd say winning the doubles in the regionals in the fall with Chris Kearney and then doing so well at the National Indoors would probably also top the list.
What do you still hope to accomplish?
Academically, I'd like to make the Dean's List in the next few semesters if possible. In tennis, I'd love to win a team championship and hopefully Chris and I can get into individual doubles and do well there.
Is there any particular match that sticks out as a great match for either you personally or for the team?
I didn't play in this one, but the Virginia match my freshman year. It lasted over five hours and it was just a back-and-forth thing. Everything that could happen in a tennis match happened. We ended up pulling it out 4-3, which was really special. For me personally, this year I happened to clinch the match against Baylor at the National Indoors. They were ranked No. 4 at the time and we had lost three matches in a row. That was a really big momentum base for us.
What is it like playing in a conference like the ACC, where nearly every team you play is ranked?
It's great. Every match can go either way because of the depth, so you always have to be on your toes. I think it really prepares a lot of teams for the NCAA Tournament. That's why I think so many of the teams do so well.
Can you talk about your expectations as well as your team's expectations for next week's ACC Tennis Championship?
We just came off of a tough loss to Virginia which was a little disappointing, but we played them so close. It gave our team a lot of confidence, so realistically we're looking to win the ACC Championship. I feel we have the talent and can get it done.
What is your favorite part of the ACC Championship?
The ACC in the regular season is intense enough, but when it comes to tournament time and you know it's either win or go home, it adds an extra element and heightens the intensity of the match.
Why did you choose North Carolina?
It was the right fit for me academically - it's a great public institution. Both of the coaches are great. Coach Paul has been here my whole time and Don Johnson was the assistant when I came in. All the success that Don had with being No. 1 in the world in doubles and being on tour for so long was really a great selling point for me to come here.
What are your plans for after graduation?
Somewhere down the line, I think I may end up going to law school. I haven't really thought too much about it yet, but (I'd like to go to) either UNC or LSU - either stay up here or head back closer to home.
Taylor Fogleman and the Tar Heels return to the court on Sunday, April 13, as they host Clemson in the regular-season finale. The 2008 ACC Tennis Championship starts next Thursday, April 17, at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla. ACC Select will provide coverage of the championship.
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