ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Taylor Head

Tell me how the team put together an undefeated regular season.

We couldn’t get there without coach (Layla) West. She’s great. We work really hard; we come here every morning. 

What’s your goal in the playoffs?

Well, of course, I want to win — but I just want everyone to work hard and have fun. 

What do you like about playing outside hitter?

I love hitting. I don’t know why, but I just do. I feel like I’m just zoned out — I don’t know anything else is going on, it’s just in the game. 

What’s your favorite part about the game of volleyball?

I love how fast the game is. It’s boom boom boom. I love it. I also like playing as a team; six players. I like contributing. 

How did you get into playing volleyball? 

I started at (age) 8. I tried every other sport, and I finally picked one I loved. 

How do you balance volleyball with school?

I come 7 a.m. here, and then I have school, and then I usually do my homework in the car or when I get back late. So, I just try my best. 

What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know?

I can draw. I like to draw sunsets, like the sky and scenery.

What good movies have you seen lately?

“Mockingjay Part 2.” I liked that movie. I like the action.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

The Virgin Islands. I just love the beach, and I like being in the sun. 

Do you play any sports aside from volleyball?

I used to until my volleyball got more complex. I used to play basketball and I used to play soccer. (Because) it’s just so busy I can’t, so I focus on volleyball.  

What’s your favorite sport to support at school other than volleyball?

Track. I always want them to do (well). I like how they push to the finish line and they try their best to do whatever they can do.

What’s next for you in high school as a volleyball player?

I play outside of school too, but I’m going to play high school (volleyball). West Orange. 

What teams do you play on outside of school volleyball?

I play for a club named — it just combined — OVA/TBVA. But there’s a lot of stuff going over there (club volleyball), but there’s a lot of stuff coming over here (school volleyball). So I go back and forth a lot of the times. So I’m kind of busy. Volleyball in the morning, volleyball in the afternoon.