For the past eight years Taylor Sargent (grade 12 at Gordon F. Kells High School), daughter of Dean and Shelley, has been honing her skills on the volleyball court. Her determination and dedication to the sport recently led to bigger things and a future playing volleyball for Valley City State University in North Dakota.
“I have always loved the team aspect of playing volleyball,” Taylor said of the sport and why she’s been working towards this goal over the years. “There is no better feeling then playing your best with your team and having your hard work pay off. It has been my goal for a long time to be able to play volleyball after high school.”
“We are very proud of Taylor and are excited to see what the future holds for her,” Shelley exclaimed. “She has worked very hard as a player in reaching her goal of playing volleyball after high school. We are looking forward to her continuing to grow as a volleyball player as she is challenged to be playing at a higher level and is joining a great volleyball program. As a result of the philosophy of the coaches at Valley City, we believe Taylor will grow both on and off the court.”
Coach of the Valley City Vikings, Adam Longmore, announced the momentous occasion on Wednesday, Feb. 14, on the Valley City State University Volleyball website welcoming her for the 2018 season.
"Taylor is an exceptional young lady that we are happy to have join our program. She has excelled both on the court and in the classroom. She exhibits all of the qualities we look for in the student-athletes we recruit, athletically, as well as in character," said Longmore. "Taylor will provide some depth for us on the pins which we really need. We are excited to get her in the gym and begin coaching her. She hits a heavy ball and will flourish in the type of system we run offensively."
For Taylor the opportunity is an exciting one.
“I am looking forward to a new experience and opportunity to further my academic career and play a higher level of volleyball,” Taylor explained. “When I went for a tour I had the opportunity to meet the coaches and some of the players. After meeting the coaches and playing with the team, I knew it was a program that I wanted to be a part of so it made my decision very easy to commit there for the fall.”
While attending Valley City, Taylor will not only be focused on volleyball, but will also be taking Business Administration.
Over the years, Taylor has also seen success in Track and Field and has garnered the honour of “Athlete of the Year,” for the last four years. This past season with her high school team, she helped the Cougars earn a 4th place at the 3A Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association Provincials. She has also received numerous academic awards over the years, which makes her an ideal pickup for collegiate volleyball.
Valley City State University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and a conference member of the North Star Athletic Association. The Viking volleyball team posted a 15-13 overall record during the 2017 season and finished fourth in the NSAA standings.
Looking forward to the future, Taylor made a special statement of appreciation to everyone who has supported her over the years: “A special thank you to my family and friends for their support and encouragement that they have given me as I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I would like to also thank all of my coaches over the years for believing in me and helping me grow as an athlete.”
