Ashburn, Va. — Stone Bridge High School junior Taylor Davis has made an early verbal commitment to continue her volleyball career at Colgate University starting in the 2019-2020 school year.
“I chose Colgate because it was the perfect fit,” Davis said. “I knew I wanted a smaller DI school in the northeast where I could get the best education possible while still playing competitive volleyball. I fell in love with Colgate as soon as I stepped on campus, and I mesh really well with the team and the coaching staff.”
[adrotate banner=”14″]Last season, the Division I Raiders went 18-11. The 5-foot-10 Davis believes her competitive spirit and strong leadership qualities will help them to soar to new heights in the fall of 2019.
Until then, she has some unfinished business to take care of here at home. In the fall of 2017, Stone Bridge volleyball won 26 straight matches, but ended up losing to Briar Woods High School in a VHSL Region 5C semifinal.
“Although it was an unfortunate way to end the season, I think we had a lot to be proud of,” Davis said. “This definitely motivates the returning players for next year because we aren’t done yet. A state ring is the goal for next season.”
Not only will Davis’ drive and competitive spirit help her to lead the Bulldogs next season, but her pure love for the sport will also guide Stone Bridge. Although she hated volleyball when she started playing in the sixth grade, she quickly learned to love the game itself and the girls she played with.
“I’ve met some of the most inspiring and competitive girls through volleyball, some who I consider my best friends,” Davis said. “So that has made me love this sport so much more.”
Just one year after Davis started playing, she joined her club team, Virginia Elite, who she still plays for today. It was during her first season with this team that Davis realized she wanted to be a collegiate athlete someday. She was also largely inspired by her father, who played football at Boston College back in his day.
“From a young age, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Davis explained. “I really admire my dad’s work ethic, tenacity and resilience, and he has inspired me to be the best athlete and person I can possibly be.”
Aside from her father, she thanks her club coaches, Lexi Patton, Joseph Ziegler and Ross Brickelmaier, for instilling in her the desire to compete.
“Their intensity and love for the game is infectious,” Davis said. “And I’ve learned so much from them.”
Lastly, Davis is incredibly thankful for her mother’s role in her athletic career, contributing to carpools, 5:30 a.m. trips to the gym and her unconditional support.
“My parents always have my back, and they motivate me to be the best athlete, daughter, sister, and person I can be.”
With plans to major in psychology on a pre-law track, Davis is beyond excited to begin her career as a collegiate athlete.
“To be committed is something I’ve dreamed of since I started playing,” Davis said. “So it really is a dream come true.”