Xavier University of Louisiana Athletics

Briefly
•  First year at XULA

High School
•  Helped Booker T. Washington reach the quarterfinals of the GHSA Class AA state playoffs her senior year (2016)
•  Varsity starter and team MVP four years apiece
•  Chosen to all-area team four straight years and player of the year as a senior
•  Academically ranked among BTW's top five percent each of her four years
•  BTW's female recipient of a 2017 Vince J. Dooley Award for exemplary character, leadership both on and off the court/field, the positive influence she exercises in her life and the difference she makes in the lives of others
•  Compiled 400 hours of community service
•  Vice president of her freshman and sophomore classes and secretary as a junior
•  National Honor Society secretary for two years

Club
•  Played four seasons for Tsunami Volleyball of Atlanta and helped team qualify for nationals every year

Personal
•  Traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, on a mission trip with her church, Bethlehem Baptist, in 2016
•  Father, Rodney Taylor, played college football for West Georgia

In Her Own Words
•  How I became interested in my sport:  My first interaction with the sport occurred when I watched a cousin compete on the collegiate level at Baylor University. I was around 12 years old. I was intrigued by the sound of the ball and wanted to learn more about the sport. I began playing school volleyball in the seventh grade and travel volleyball in the ninth grade.
•  Three words that describe me:  Giving, personable, balanced
•  My goals for the 2017-18 academic year — academic, athletic, personal:  I want to have a conceptual understanding in my classes and make Dean's List each semester. I want to work hard on the volleyball court, adapt quickly, and improve my stats while being a great teammate. This I year I am looking to grow into an independent scholar who will get involved, show leadership, be intentional and stay focused.
•  The most creative thing I do, or something creative I'd like to be able to do:  I do not consider myself to be creative. I want to be an innovator; however, I have yet to find my niche. I wish I could repurpose broken or old items.
•  The tastiest thing I can cook:  Chicken Alfredo
•  Favorite ice cream flavor:  Birthday cake
•  Special routine or superstition before I compete:  I like to listen to hype music with my headphones to get my energy flowing before a match
•  My definition of success:  Setting small attainable goals and reaching them through hard work and service
•  A movie title that would describe my life:  The Pursuit of Happyness
•  The best advice I was ever given:  Growing up, my mother always told me to find a way or make one