University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Middle Blocker
/ Volleyball
Photo by: Christopher Mitchell / Sport Shot Photo
Gopher Spotlight: Taylor Morgan
11/1/2018 3:19:00 PM | Volleyball
Taylor Morgan has taken this season by storm. Leading her team in total blocks, she also ranks second the Big Ten in hitting percentage and 21st nationally in the same category, Morgan plays an important role in the Gophers' offense and defense. Hailing from Blaine, Minn., the redshirt junior gets to live out her dream of playing for Minnesota. Even better, she gets to compete with her favorite people at the best place to play volleyball, the Pav.
Being from Minnesota and having pushed through some bumps in the road the past few years, how does it feel to be in the position you are now?
It feels good. All the hard work, the time I have put in, all the praying and believing that God will help me. It feels like my prayers have been answered in a sense. Working really hard with my teammates, being connected with them and where we are now as a team, feels really good.
Given this new role, how has the adjustment been?
Normal. You come in, work hard in practices and then go and compete against other good teams. It is the same to me. These are the days we have all prepared for, so nothing too new.
How have you grown as a player over the years?
I would say I've grown in the sense of just being more mature. I'm a very emotional type of person, very energetic, intense and I wear my heart on my sleeve. That is the type of person I am on the court and off the court. I've learned to let things go and move on. That is the type of person I am, on and off the court.
What is your favorite part about being on this team?
The chemistry we have. I've been on a lot of teams before in my life, and no team has been like this before. I love it. I love coming into the gym, not only to compete against them, but just going into the locker room and messing around and having dance parties. It is genuinely fun. Going down the street or going to class and seeing them, I get super excited, even though I know I'll see them in a few hours. I genuinely love each and every player on the team.
Tell us more about your major. What do you plan to do with it?
Youth studies is learning how young people work and how their culture and environment dictates how they act and behave within certain situations. Fun fact about me, I really didn't like kids at first. Being in the youth studies major, and through internships and volunteering, I realized there is a lot that goes into these kids. They know things that I don't know, and we can learn from each other. Seeing it as a relationship of give and take and seeing it from that lens really made me like kids.
What career path would you like to go down with this major?
I personally want to become a coach. Not necessarily a coach for small kids, but I feel like the things I learned in my major still applies to older girls and adults.
What is something that most people wouldn't know about you?
I am shy. I come across differently, but I am very scared to talk to people. I'll spend hours planning out what I want to say and do. I am an introvert. I like to be by myself the majority of the time, and I'm terrified to talk in front of people.
What is your favorite part about playing at the Pav?
My favorite part is that I am fulfilling a dream. I have obviously been on this campus my whole life with my dad and coming to games. I remember sitting at the Pav and watching the Gophers play Penn State. The atmosphere and everything about it is amazing. There really is no better feeling. I don't care what anyone says, we can argue for days if you want to, but this is the best place to play volleyball, period.
Being from Minnesota and having pushed through some bumps in the road the past few years, how does it feel to be in the position you are now?
It feels good. All the hard work, the time I have put in, all the praying and believing that God will help me. It feels like my prayers have been answered in a sense. Working really hard with my teammates, being connected with them and where we are now as a team, feels really good.
Given this new role, how has the adjustment been?
Normal. You come in, work hard in practices and then go and compete against other good teams. It is the same to me. These are the days we have all prepared for, so nothing too new.
How have you grown as a player over the years?
I would say I've grown in the sense of just being more mature. I'm a very emotional type of person, very energetic, intense and I wear my heart on my sleeve. That is the type of person I am on the court and off the court. I've learned to let things go and move on. That is the type of person I am, on and off the court.
What makes the University of Minnesota so special for Taylor Morgan? Find out here. pic.twitter.com/5WMAnbAQbQ
— Minnesota Volleyball (@GopherVBall) October 28, 2018
What is your favorite part about being on this team?
The chemistry we have. I've been on a lot of teams before in my life, and no team has been like this before. I love it. I love coming into the gym, not only to compete against them, but just going into the locker room and messing around and having dance parties. It is genuinely fun. Going down the street or going to class and seeing them, I get super excited, even though I know I'll see them in a few hours. I genuinely love each and every player on the team.
Tell us more about your major. What do you plan to do with it?
Youth studies is learning how young people work and how their culture and environment dictates how they act and behave within certain situations. Fun fact about me, I really didn't like kids at first. Being in the youth studies major, and through internships and volunteering, I realized there is a lot that goes into these kids. They know things that I don't know, and we can learn from each other. Seeing it as a relationship of give and take and seeing it from that lens really made me like kids.
What career path would you like to go down with this major?
I personally want to become a coach. Not necessarily a coach for small kids, but I feel like the things I learned in my major still applies to older girls and adults.
What is something that most people wouldn't know about you?
I am shy. I come across differently, but I am very scared to talk to people. I'll spend hours planning out what I want to say and do. I am an introvert. I like to be by myself the majority of the time, and I'm terrified to talk in front of people.
What is your favorite part about playing at the Pav?
My favorite part is that I am fulfilling a dream. I have obviously been on this campus my whole life with my dad and coming to games. I remember sitting at the Pav and watching the Gophers play Penn State. The atmosphere and everything about it is amazing. There really is no better feeling. I don't care what anyone says, we can argue for days if you want to, but this is the best place to play volleyball, period.
Follow Women's Volleyball
Women's Volleyball Tickets
Experience the excitement and tradition connecting generations of Gopher fans! Create memories for a lifetime with your friends and family while you root for your Golden Gophers. Get Tickets
Support Women's Volleyball
Support the University of Minnesota Women's Volleyball program. Your support helps our student-athletes succeed athletically, academically, and socially. It takes just seconds to make a monthly or one-time donation. Thank you for your support! Give Now
Highlights: Gophers 1, Wisconsin 3
Wednesday, November 05
Travel Vlog in Seattle
Wednesday, November 05
Highlights: Gophers 2, USC 3
Saturday, November 01
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Sweep Illini
Thursday, October 30