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Match Point Blog: Taylor Cross
April 19, 2016 04:21 PM | Volleyball
Life tends to throw twists and curves your way, but sophomore Taylor Cross is glad those curves have landed her at West Virginia University. The Colorado Springs, Colorado, native began playing volleyball in middle school, but never dreamed that it would lead her to playing in one of the premier conferences in the country.
Growing up, Cross always thought of basketball as the sport she would play in college “I just picked up volleyball when my friend told me to try out with her in seventh grade.” Cross said.
“I never imagined that It would take me this far.”
During her four years at Pine Creek High School she was named the school’s 2014 Outstanding Female Athlete while also helping her team win two Colorado Springs 5A Metro League Championships. Cross also excelled off the volleyball court, as she graduated with honors, boasting a 4.3 GPA.
As a freshman, Cross chose to attend the University of New Mexico, where she appeared in 14 matches before she decided to transfer to coach Reed Sunahara’s squad at West Virginia University. Moving across the country and away from family is a big move for anyone, but it is an even bigger move for someone that values family as much as Cross does.
“I’ve never been this far away from my family.” Cross stated “It was definitely intimidating at first, but the people, the coaching staff, and the team make the time fly because I am having so much fun.”
Fortunately, her parents often make trips to Big 12 road matches to watch their only daughter play for the old gold and blue. They also come to Morgantown twice a year. Her parents are on the road for days at a time while also scheduling trips to watch Cross’ older brother, Marcus, who is a senior linebacker at Colorado-Mesa.
Cross thinks of her father as a coach in the stands and always values when he is there to support her.
“My dad is always that dad in the stands. He is the first voice I hear when I make a mistake.”
The motivation that Cross gets from her father during matches allows her to stay focused. While her father is unable to make trips to watch because of work, her mother will often make the trip alone. Cross appreciates the dedication that her parents have to travel such a long distance to see her play.
“That’s really big for me because I am such a family-oriented person.” Cross Noted “they have always been a big support system for me”
When her family is not there to support her, the sophomore knows that she has the support of the Mountaineer faithful.
“The fans at WVU are great.” Cross explained “It’s cool that they follow along with us so deeply. It is a great feeling when you have fans in the crowd that are excited to come up to you after the game and comment on your growth and development.”
Cross gives a lot of credit to her teammates and coaches on helping the transition to West Virginia easier and helping her develop as a player.
“We are a really close-knit team and because we are so close we are able to push each other every day which makes us all better.” Cross noted
“I have made a lot of relationships that I will cherish and make my time here great. They make West Virginia my home away from home.”
Cross has learned that it is a lot easier to navigate life’s turns with the help of her fans, teammates, and coaches, but most importantly with the help of her family.
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