Getting To Know Miki Kobayashi
February 11, 2016 | Women's Tennis
Miki Kobayashi is in her second season with the Washington women's tennis team, and has become a key part of the Huskies lineup. Coming from Nagano, Japan, she gained her first national ranking this past week in doubles with freshman Tami Grende as the No. 31 duo in the country. During the ITA Kick-Off Weekend, she and Grende defeated No. 3 Maegan Manasse and Denise Starr of California 6-3 for one of the highest ranked opponents defeated in recent program history. Holding a 16-4 doubles record this year including 7-1 in dual match play, Kobayashi is no stranger to overcoming top competition as she reached the doubles semifinals at both the Jack Kramer Invitational, and the UTA/ITA Regionals this past fall.
With the regular season in full swing, we asked Kobayashi a few questions in order to get to know her a little better:
What initially drew you to tennis?
I started playing tennis seriously after I won a small Japanese tournament. I felt really good about it and felt that I wanted to become better.
What's your first memory of tennis?
Winning a tennis tournament and 1st place for the fitness test.
What's been your favorite tennis moment?
Of course I feel great when I win and when I gave everything that I could. Especially when I am playing doubles!
What drew you to the University of Washington?
The beautiful campus, nice and friendly teammates, and the variety of Asian foods.
What are your goals while at Washington?
I want to graduate on time with a GPA above 3.5 and have a good tennis career.
What's your favorite song to warm up to?
I don't have a favorite song, but I like “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
Sleep exactly 8 hours the night before.
What's your favorite pre-match meal or snack?
I like Asian food, either rice or spaghetti.
Who's your favorite professional athlete?
Roger Federer
What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Watching drama shows, animation, and movies.
What's your favorite TV show?
Grey's Anatomy or Vampire Diaries
Aside from your friends or family, if you could bring one part of Japan to Seattle what would it be?
The Japanese 7-Eleven store.
What's been your favorite thing about Seattle so far?
The variety of Asian food, the beautiful city, the campus and Chinatown.
You've traveled a lot for tournaments, what has been your favorite club or court you have played on?
I like hard courts the most but don't like the clay courts. I like the tennis courts in Asia better than the US because the tennis courts here seem to play slower than in Asia.
If you could play one match against anyone right now who would it be?
Tami Grande
Pepsi or Coke?
Coke
If we checked your iPod what do you think would be your top played song?
Beyonce's “If I Were a Boy” and Wiz Khalifa's “See You Again”
Dogs or cats?
Dogs
What are your goals after Washington?
To get a good job, and a nice house with children and enjoy my life!
Players Mentioned
