Story by Ellie Song
Staff Writer

Photo by Mac Shropshire
Staff Photographer

Senior Evan Taylor, girls’ varsity volleyball captain, setter, and hitter, has played volleyball since she was 12 years old. She was first influenced by her mom and older sister, who had played volleyball all four years of high school. One of Taylor’s biggest achievements was winning D4 State Championships in her sophomore year.

“I love the bond and connection that is built as a team,” Taylor said. “It’s something that goes beyond just the season and will last even after high school is over. I also love how fast paced and intense the game can get.”

Taylor has faced two injuries during her time playing volleyball at SPHS, both being sprained ankles. In her sophomore year during a match, Taylor went up to hit on the outside, and accidentally jumped too far and landed on the side of the pole. 

“It was definitely a really hard challenge to overcome. Even though it was the season that we won our state championship, I didn’t get played for a month or more, so it was really hard mentally too.” Taylor said.

Overcoming the injury was not as easy as Taylor anticipated, but she was consistent with her band work and hoped that she would come back stronger than she was before. 

However, Taylor’s senior season was riddled with challenges that came with new coaching and a new team. Overall, the girls finished the season fifth in the Arroyo League, marking a bittersweet end to the four-year run. 

“I think [we didn’t get as far this year] mainly because of our team chemistry and how we bond on and off the court, and our ability to execute during the games,” Taylor said.

Taylor’s teammate and best friend, senior Ella Garner explains how the two met around five years ago.

“Evan has made volleyball from when we played club together and high school, a really fun experience,” Garner said. “Because a lot of the time the stress of the sport can overwhelm you, but having a friend and a teammate like Evan just takes all that stress off and reminds you that the sport is supposed to be fun.” 

Taylor eventually wants to be recruited for track, specifically long jump, either at San Diego State University or Long Beach State.

“We love Evan,” Garner said. “Without her, things wouldn’t be the same.”