Spotlight: Taylor Stockman, the volleyball player to watch

Taylor Stockman, sophomore exercise science major and volleyball player, won the Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year in 2022.
“I had no idea I was going to get that award [SSC Freshman of the Year], let alone any awards. It was very surprising,” Stockman said.

Stockman worked hard during her freshman year, making sure to never slack off in practices or games. While Stockman maintains that she is a self-motivated individual, she credits her coaches, teammates and family for pushing her to be the best player she could be last season.

Stockman’s volleyball journey began in the sixth grade when she decided to branch out and try something new. Her love of the sport led to her playing on both a travel team as well as her high school’s squad back home in Kansas. In her junior year, Stockman’s team won the Kansas state championship for women’s volleyball, and she credits her sisters for inspiring her to play at the collegiate level.

“Both of my sisters played softball while growing up and I always looked up to them playing in college,” Stockman said.

Stockman broke her back in her junior year of high school and was unable to play for several months. Her recovery from the injury was the biggest struggle in her career.

If she had the opportunity, Stockman would tell her younger self to, “not be so hard on myself, not every mistake is the end of the world.”

Stockman uses this advice to stay focused on the positive side of the sport and excel in her college athletic career. Alongside her on-court accomplishments, Stockman has learned how to balance her off-court priorities in her academic and social life, with help from the upperclassmen on her team. Her coaches and teammates focus on the importance of breathing, staying mentally focused, maintaining a healthy personal life and not getting distracted during matches. Stockman believes this has helped her become a better player and improved her technique on-court. As far as goals for this year’s season, she wants to improve her skill and for her team to win the Sunshine State Conference.

Stockman is excited for the team’s early success, including its victories against Seton Hill University and Bentley University, and left The Current with one final request.

“Tell as many people as you can to come to the games,” Stockman said.