This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

TWhen the tennis-playing Turley sisters of Davis — Alexis and Brianna — have questions about strategy or game planning, they don't have to look far to find someone who's been there and done it.

Their mother, Anissa (Robinson) Turley played for BYU in the early 1990s, and finds it a little challenging to separate the former player from the current mom.

"When I'm watching them it's hard not to think about ways to improve," she said. "As a mom, I just sit back sometimes and think it's really cool to see my daughters out there playing at a high level."

These Turleys almost seemed destined for tennis and athletic success. Their father, Brent Turley, played baseball for BYU in the early '90s, and their maternal grandfather, Clark Robinson, was once ranked No. 1 in the country in his senior division.

While the Turleys are clearly focused on tennis, their parents encouraged them to participate in a variety of sports.

"They played competitive soccer and basketball, and they can both hit a golf ball pretty good," said Brent Turley. "I think in the end though, they wanted to do what mom had done."

And they're doing it at a high level.

Brianna broke out at the 2011 5A state tournament and captured a No. 2 singles title as a freshman, while Alexis lost to eventual champion, Kallie Sperry of Jordan in a hard fought, No. 1 singles semifinal.

The Darts finished third in the 5A field, and are looking to move up the ladder.

"We've talked about a state title," said Alexis, a senior. "That's what we're working for and the team wants to have a big year."

Now a sophomore, Brianna said she exceeded her own expectations last year, and says she owes a lot of that success to her older sibling.

"She's played in so many big matches and I have learned a lot just from watching her," said Brianna.

Whether the state title becomes a reality or not, both sisters are excited for the chance to be part of a team this fall.

"Last year was a blast," said Alexis. "Having my sister right there makes it just a little more special." —

Turleys leading Darts tennis

Senior and sophomore Alexis and Brianna Turley helped Davis to a third place finish in the 2011, 5A state tennis tournament.

The Turleys come from an athletic family. Mom, Anissa, played tennis at BYU in the early 1990's while dad, Brent, was an all-conference baseball player for the Cougars, also in the early 1990s.