NAME: Mikelle Taylor
SPORT: Volleyball
ACHIEVEMENTS: Captain for the SAC volleyball team, school record for most kills. 3yr varsity player at Valencia HS, two-time 1st Team All-League selection, two-time MVP, captain senior year.
Who got you into volleyball and when did you start playing?
I was raised in Texas and starting sports young is a big thing there. All my friends were starting volleyball in about 3rd grade so I decided to join them, but I wouldn’t have made it all those years without the support of my parents.
If you weren't playing volleyball, what other sport would you want to play at the college level?
I also started playing basketball when I was really young so I definitely be playing basketball if I had a second choice.
What makes Coach Troy Abbey the type of coach you love to play for?
Coach Troy is really uplifting and caring for his players. He does everything he can do to make us become successful young women on and off the court.
What are you majoring in and what's your favorite class?
My major is psychology but I’ve always been interested in history and can’t learn enough about the past.
What is your perfect pre-game meal?
I don’t like to eat too heavy before a game, but a perfect meal would include a smoothie and a turkey sandwich or chicken nuggets.
Walk us through your pre-game warm up.
Our pre-game warm-up is about an hour long which consists of passing, agilities, stretching, blocking, and my two favorite- coach on 3, and hitting.
What are the first 3 songs on your pre-game playlist?
Wild for the night, black and yellow, and of course juju on that beat.
What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
I love to stay home, watch movies and relax with my dog but on a beautiful day I love going to the beach or shopping.
Who on the team are you closest with?
My closest friend on the team would be Lily considering we played on the same club team last year.
What is your leadership style?
I would describe my style as more of a social/chemistry leader. I bond well with everyone on the team and make sure no one gets left behind in a drill or during games.
Once you're done at SAC, what do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as the girl who worked her butt off to grow in the game and as a person and the girl who helped change volleyball history for SAC.
What is the plan once you graduate?
Once I’m finished at SAC, I plan on continuing indoor or beach at a 4 year and once that’s completed, I hope to have a successful career in psychology and start a family.
What do you want to say to the fans who have watched you play during your time at SAC?
I want to give a big thank you to all the fans, especially my parents, who came to all the games. You guys were so loyal and believed in us even when we may not have believed in ourselves. We couldn’t have finished the season so well without you.