NCSA caught up with rising volleyball star Taryn McGrew to talk about her high school and club seasons and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: How did your high school team do this year?
McGrew: My high school team played very well this year. We were a very BIG team. We had a lot of height and then more height. We had a great team connection and had some stunning moments of success. Unfortunately, due to illness and injury, we ended our season very early in the state competition. Everyone on our team contributed to the success of our season.
NCSA: Were you recognized by your team or anyone else for your performance this year?
McGrew: In our conference I was awarded 1st team All Conference, 1st team All Region and was named to the newspaper's Dream Team which consists of the top 6 players in the area. I was also voted MVP by our team and Best Offensive Player of the year. As if that wasn't enough, I was awarded the Booster Club Scholar athlete award and earned a place on the All Academic team. I have one more season to play in high school and I broke the career kill record this year.
NCSA: How do you handle club tryouts? Are you nervous? If so, how do you get over your nerves?
McGrew: I am never nervous when I tryout for new teams. I just go in, do the best I can and expect the best. I have been fortunate to be selected by some really wonderful coaches to play on their teams. I always learn so much from them. I don't like to hear players talk badly about a coach - my responsibility as a team member is to learn and perform. If I don't do that then it isn't the coach's fault, it's mine.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to most during this club season?
McGrew: I am looking forward to this club season so much! I know most of the girls on my team and have played with some of them before. I know our strengths and know we can improve on our weaknesses. Our coach is fantastic and will bring out the best in all of us. I am especially looking forward to going to Minneapolis and eating at the Brazilian restaurant there!
NCSA: What type of recruiting contacts do you have so far?
McGrew: I have been contacted by numerous colleges. I have exchanged emails with many of them and am very involved in trying to decide what type of collegiate experience will be best for me. Being able to watch some college games on a webcast has been a lot of fun. I have had some really wonderful email "conversations" with coaches and am excited by the opportunities that are before me.
NCSA: What are your recruiting plans over the next 6 months?
McGrew: My next several months will be spent trying to visit the schools I am interested in and who are interested in me. I am not limited by geography so I am looking all over the United States. I have specific academic goals and want to be sure that I can get the education I need as well as play in a competitive volleyball program.
NCSA: What is best advice you have heard about recruiting so far?
McGrew: The best advice about recruiting has been to be receptive to everything and to be true to myself and my goals. I don't want to be dazzled by something that, in the end wouldn't be the right fit for me. I also am learning that the whole recruiting process is hard work!
