University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers in the Pros: Paige Tapp
2/21/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Paige Tapp (2013-16) finished her collegiate career helping the Gophers to back-to-back Final Fours, a Big Ten Championships and a 107-29 record. Individually, she had 783 career kills, hit .317, and provided 495 career blocks, en route to four All-America honors. The Stewartville, Minn., native was a two-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American and a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American. She was also Minnesota's first-ever Senior CLASS Award recipient, an honor given to one collegiate individual in each sport that represents the highest standards, athletically, academically and within her community. Since the 2016 Final Four, Tapp graduated from Minnesota with a marketing degree in the Carlson School of Management. She followed her collegiate experience by signing a professional contract with Juncos Valencianas in Puerto Rico. Take a look as this feature as Tapp settles into her volleyball pro career.
Gophersports.com: Can you walk us through your timeline of your professional career so far?
Paige Tapp: The week after finishing our season in December, I met with Hugh (McCutcheon), then signed with an agent, and decided that a contract in Puerto Rico would be my best option for the next few months. It all happened very fast. I left on January 3, and right upon arrival was driven to practice. Preseason lasted three weeks, and at the end of January our regular season began. Looking back, it's crazy how quickly I had to transition right after our season. Luckily though, Minnesota prepared me extremely well for professional competition.
GS: How much of an adjustment did you go through from your college career to your professional career?
PT: My college journey was close to home. I had faces I'd known for years and a familiar city surrounding me. Beginning my professional journey has been quite the opposite. I'm on an island, full of new people, a new culture, and countless unknowns. It has been a big adjustment, but an incredible one. I feel very fortunate for this opportunity and the wonderful experience I've been getting here.
GS: Aside from volleyball, tell us about your experience in Puerto Rico?
PT: The weather obviously is a huge change from the winters I am accustomed to. It's always sunny and 85 degrees here. I go to different beaches on off days, and the rainforest is 15 minutes away for hiking.
The food here is different. A lot of bold flavors and spices. Rice and beans are a staple. Plantains are huge here, which I had never tried before, but they seem to work those into most dishes.
I was surprised how many similar stores they have to back home. Starbucks, Costco, Walmart, etc. you can find here.
GS: What was one thing you didn't know and wish you did before starting your professional career?
PT: When you head out on your own, the community that you once were so comfortably cushioned into is no longer right beside you. You become your own responsibility. At the end of the day, you need to perform and be able to make the best decisions for yourself to do that. No one will be holding your hand and directing your steps. It's a refreshing freedom, but you have to be responsible with it.
GS: How does this experience help you in future professional aspirations?
PT: I've learned to live in a new place, make new friends and try new things. I have navigated through a language barrier and found my way pretty well here. I think learning how to make the best of all situations and manage adversity is a skill that will help me wherever life takes me.
