Taylor Overn '18 Recruiting Profile

I've always known I'm going to college, someday. When I was younger I didn't think I was going to get to play sports in college. I was a gymnast from age 3-12, but I knew I wasn't a good enough to get to the collegiate level. I found volleyball in the beginning of middle school and fell in love with the sport. I've watched it pretty much since I was born - my parents played-  but I didn't realize I loved it until I actually got the opportunity to play. Since I've started playing volleyball, I've worked so hard to be the best I can be, whether it's doing drills, scrimmaging teams, or conditioning; everything is a competition. I believe that competition is important for improvement; competition has made me the volleyball player I am today- not just competing with other girls, but with myself.

That goes with education as well.  If I don't get 100% correct, I know I have to push myself to do better next time.  If a peer gets better grades than me, I do whatever I can to improve and do better. Coaches should choose me because I never settle for being good, or even great... I think I can always be better no matter how good I am.  I think my team can always be better no matter how good we are. There's no better feeling than being part of am awesome team!  I want volleyball to be part of my life for the rest of my life... and I want to play in college!

I think I'm different from other recruits because even if I'm tired or injured, I don't use that as an excuse to not perform at my best. I give 110% every time I'm on the court or taking a test. I have known many teammates and peers who really don't try to be better- who shut down and decide they're done for the day.  They let their team down because they are "too tired".  I don't care how tired I am, I dig deeper and work even harder because excuses won't make me a better athlete. As a setter, it is my job to lead and inspire my team.  I can't let them down!  I really believe champions are made in practice (and conditioning!) Conditioning on my own, in my free time, has become really important to me and my success.  If I didn't sweat today, I didn't get stronger.   Also, I want to be coached! If my coach tells me to do something, there is no excuse not to do it. I care about volleyball, school and my teammates too much to not execute at my best every time.