Upcoming Event: Women's Tennis at Kitty Harrison Invitational on September 12, 2025
Women's Tennis
at Kitty Harrison Invitational
Q&A with Mary Clayton
8/15/2011 11:54:00 AM | Women's Tennis
By Adam Miller
DURHAM, N.C. - Recently, we were able to catch up with Duke women's tennis player Mary Clayton for an update on some of her favorites, what she has been up to this summer and expectations for the coming season.
Clayton's summer hasn't been the ideal summer most college students enjoy, but she has still kept busy and found a little time for fun.
"I have been taking two English classes and preparing for the fall," said the junior. "I've gone to three concerts: Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts and Lil' Wayne," she added.
In preparation for the upcoming fall season, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-native understands some of the challenges and necessary things that need to happen for the team to succeed. Duke was tabbed with the number one recruiting class by tennisrecruiting.net, which includes four new players expected to make an immediate impact on the program.
"I'm most excited with our four new freshmen coming in," commented Clayton. "Since we have four new freshmen coming in, we need to bond as a team."
As an upperclassman, Clayton will likely be relied upon as a team leader, especially with the abundance of youth on the roster.
"I think I'm ready to take on a leadership role," said Clayton. "My previous teammates have done a really good job of exposing me to how to be a leader and a lot of that was done by leading by example. I never had anything imposed upon me, but through their work ethic, I learned."
Like many sports, leadership often comes with expectations of teammates, but Clayton doesn't seem to have unreasonably high demands. The only two things she demands are, "a really strong work ethic and positive attitudes."
Duke opens its fall campaign Sept. 16-18 when the Blue Devils host the Duke Invitational in Cary, N.C.
Favorites
Food: Blueberries
Musical Artist: Taylor Swift
Movie: Seabiscuit
Color: Red
TV Show: Mad Men
Thing to do on campus: Go to basketball games
Q&A
What is your favorite SPORT related memory? Playing with All-Americans
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? I listen to one song repetitively
How would you describe yourself on the court? Calmly competitive
How would you describe yourself off the court? Outgoing and friendly
What would you be doing if you weren't playing tennis? I would be more focused on a career direction
In college, what team or player has been your toughest opponent? The University of Florida
What are some of the differences between your hometown and Durham? My hometown is more developed. Durham has more of a small-town feel
What is the best advice you've ever been given? Take advantage of every resource - Former teammate Ellah Nze
What activities/hobbies do you do in your spare time or in the off-season? Sporting events, plays and concerts
How would your college teammates describe you? Outgoing
If you were on a deserted island, who and what would you want to have with you? Sister and food
If you could be on any of the reality television shows, which one would you choose? The Bachelorette
If you could be a star in any sport, other than tennis which one would it be? Football
If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would you want to meet? Ernest Hemingway
If you could bring one thing from your hometown, what would it be? My Horse
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Having a family and a career
Who had the greatest impact on your life? Why? My mother because she is supportive with tennis and my decisions
What do you admire most in a person? Honesty
d-u-k-e
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