The student-athlete spotlight is a monthly Q&A feature from the Penn State Altoona Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Q&A conducted by McKenzie Quirin.

Taylor Myers

Hometown: Morrisdale, Pennsylvania

High School: West Branch Area School District

Major: Nursing

Year: Junior

Sport(s): Women's Volleyball

In what ways do you identify yourself?

I identify myself as a 21-year-old white female with a strong work ethic, goal oriented, and I give 100% at both academically and athletically.

What made you want to attend Penn State Altoona?

I decided to attend PSA because I really liked how small the campus was, and I knew that class sizes would be smaller, so that would give me more one-on-one time with professors. The campus is very pretty, and the atmosphere is very calming. I knew a lot of other people that were coming here, and their volleyball program was an interest of mine, as my high school assistant volleyball coach attended and played here.

What are some of your favorite positive memories from your time as a Penn State Altoona student-athlete so far?

Some of my favorite positive memories from my time as a PSA student-athlete include winning the AMCC Championship, having pre-game meals at Tom and Joe's restaurant with the team, being interviewed after our first NCAA match against Juniata College, matching clothes with my bestie girl, middle duo, Makenna Port, and having the best bus driver ever, Paul.

What are some of your goals, both athletically and academically, this semester/season?

My goals academically include keeping all A's in my Nursing classes, and learning everything I possibly can while in clinical. I created a study schedule to help me balance school and athletics, and I always try to reach out to my professors. Athletically, my goals include winning the AMCC Championship again, making stronger bonds with my teammates and coaches, and doing my best work in my upcoming senior season.

Have you ever had any instances in your sport where you felt that someone was being insensitive, or in which you felt personally attacked? If so, how did you handle that?

In my three years of playing with the Altoona volleyball team, I have never felt personally attacked because I always try to be the light on the team and give everyone encouragement and make sure we are all having fun and have the same goal of putting the team first. It is important to not take constructive criticism personally, as it is only to make you and the team better overall.

In what ways have you felt supported by teammates, coaches, and/or the Athletics department?

My team, coaches, and the Athletics department have supported me in insurmountable ways. My teammates are always so positive and uplifting, the coaching staff is very helpful in ways to improve, and other sports teams always show up for each other's events and are always the loudest ones in the gym.

Outside of Athletics, how are you supported by the rest of the Penn State Altoona campus community?

The entire campus is very supportive and holds activities to make my time here worthwhile. My classmates/roommates are some of my best friends, and I am so glad to have met them. My professors are some of the kindest, smartest people I know, and I feel comfortable to reach out to them for help because of how open they are to helping students academically and mentally. Overall, it is a very welcoming campus and always has ways to include students in activities.

Who are some of your biggest role models or influences, both on and off the field?

Some of my biggest volleyball role models are my coach, Jamie McGreal, as well as players/former players of the Wisconsin Women's Volleyball team Anna Smrek, Sarah Franklin, and Dana Rettke. Some  of my biggest role models off the court include my former clinical instructor, Christine McCombie, and my mom and dad for always supporting me and pushing me to perform at the best of my abilities.

Do you have any advice or encouraging words for fellow student-athletes at Penn State Altoona?

I would tell anyone who has the same goals as I had to slow down and enjoy the process. Enjoy every moment and soak in the memories with teammates and coaches along the way. These are some of the best days of your life, and try to make the most of all the opportunities you will have. Be the person your team looks up to for guidance, build trust, and work hard.

Rapid Fire

1. Who is your favorite professional and collegiate sports team? Wisconsin Women's Volleyball
2. Who is your favorite professional athlete? Anna Smrek – Wisconsin 6'9" MB/RS
3. What is your favorite movie/TV show? Grey's Anatomy
4. Do you listen to any music before games as a pregame ritual? If so, what is it? Early 2000s pop
5. Do you have a favorite pregame meal? Tom and Joe's bagel ham sandwich *no egg
6. What is one quote that is your favorite that you tend to live by? "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." – Wayne Gretzky