Athlete of the Week: Abby Taylor, Lakota West High School

Abby Taylor

Abby Taylor

Name: Abby Taylor

School: Lakota West

Sport: Volleyball

Class: Junior

Age: 16

Claim to fame: Work hard, play hard

Bet you didn’t know: I started volleyball four years later than everyone else in my class

Toughest opponent/why? Ursaline Academy — they are not only good skillwise but they are smart on the court.

Favorite book: To Kill a Mocking Bird

Favorite movie: My Sister’s Keeper

Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy

Favorite musical artist/song? Jason Aldean

Favorite pro athlete/why? Gabby Douglas, who at a very young age showed hard work really does pay off and you can go as far as you want if you put your mind to it.

Favorite smell: Vanilla

Favorite home-cooked meal: Steak and mashed potatoes

Game-day rituals: I like to warm up with my team — it’s a time to really connect before a game.

Words you live by: Fake it until you make it (even if you have never played a certain position or you aren’t feeling good you never want to let your opponent know so you act like you know what you are doing or you act like you are perfectly fine and you play your heart out).

Biggest influence/why? Victoria Stoltz , a beautiful young girl who I had gotten to know and love. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor and passed away December of last year. I will always be #victorious

I am most annoyed by: People who say they want it all but do nothing to get it

I can’t live without: my family

In 10 years, I’ll be: Out of college and pursuing my career in sports medicine

Best thing about volleyball: The amount of competition and drive it puts on you

Worst thing about volleyball: I don’t believe there is a worst part. I believe that when you work hard and do what you do best there is no better feeling

Vegetable I just won’t eat: Peppers

Favorite junk food: Ice cream

Person whose brain you’d like to pick: A surgeon of any type

Love to trade places for a day with: My athletic trainer Josh Tru

When I’m bored, I like to: Work on my ball-handling

Worst habit: Biting my nails

On your bedroom walls: Pictures of my favorite memories

Talent I’d most like to have: Memorizing things quickly

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