I know Taylor from my online anatomy class since I was new to the school when COVID started.  I realized that I knew someone heavily invested in athletics and thought she would be interesting to interview. I don’t find myself that involved in sports and figured it would be intriguing to chat with someone who was, essentially, different from me in that respect. Ultimately, I found Taylor to be a great role model for others and an inspiration how much fun it is to play sports and what it means to be a part of a team. 

Q: How old were you when you started playing sports?

A: I started playing sports at a really young age, starting with baseball in kindergarten before switching to softball in 3rd grade. I have been playing that sport ever since. Third grade is also when I started playing basketball through the little cougs league that the Capital High School basketball program put on. I believe I started playing volleyball in second or third grade.

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

 A: I am a huge fan of the WNBA. Two of my favorite teams are the Seattle Storm and the Chicago Sky. 

Q: Who is your favorite Sports Hero?

A: A player I really look up to is Courtney Vandersloot. Courtney plays for the Chicago Sky as their starting point guard. Courtney grew up in Washington and went to Gonzaga Uni. In the WNBA draft she was picked in the first round and 3rd overall. I have met Courtney a few times and she was just so inspirational to talk to. When you watch her play she really commands the court with her presence and really leads the team.

Q: What do you think are the benefits of playing sports in high school?

A: The benefits of playing sports in high school is that you make so many new friends. I have made so many good friends with people I have been on a team with over the years. Playing sports creates a bond between you and others and I would really push people to play sports in high school for that reason. 

Q: How often do you train per week?

A: It depends on the sport. Right now, it is basketball season and when we don’t have a game, we practice. Practices normally last for two and a half to three hours. The day before a game we take extra time to watch film to prepare for an upcoming game, or at the start of the week we go to the weight room so we can become stronger. 

Q: Do you prefer to play Volleyball or Basketball?

A: I honestly don’t have a favorite sport. I love just playing sports and there are different things that I love about each of them. I have played 3 sports all 4 years of high school and I really think that shows my love for being competitive and being a part of a team.