Player Q&A: Makenzie Taylor

Makenzie Taylor joined the Wolfpack in the Spring of 2020, starting her freshman year a semester early. Taylor was a three-time offensive player of the year for Lake Norman High School where she accumulated 721 kills and 579 digs in a three-year span. She also played for the Carolina Juniors volleyball club.

Q: What made you pick NC State?
I loved the campus and the team culture! I knew from my first visit here that NC State had everything I was looking for in a college environment. Everyone on the team was so welcoming and I could tell I liked the team chemistry from the start.

Q: How old were you when you started playing volleyball and why did you start playing?
When I was in fifth grade I went to a summer volleyball camp with a friend. After the first day I didn't really like it, but my friend begged me to go back with her and I ended up loving it after that! To this day I'm still so glad she made me go with her!

Q: When did playing in college become a goal for you?
After my first season of club, I knew I wanted to keep playing for as long as I could – especially in college. I remember watching the NCAA volleyball tournament and knowing that I wanted to play college volleyball one day.

Q: What was the process like graduating a semester early from high school and starting at NC State? Why did you make that decision?
It was scary at first coming in midyear, but my teammates made the transition so much easier for me and I'm so glad I made the decision. It was the best option for me at the time because I wanted to get in and start working out with the team as soon as possible!

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
I played the piano for six years when I was younger, so anytime I am around a piano I am always tempted to play something!

Q: What is your major and dream career?
My current major is human biology and my dream career is anything in the medical field. I want to be able to work with people and help others.

Q: What are some of your goals for the 2020 season?
With a new coaching staff and all the uncertainty right now with COVID-19, I think one of my biggest goals is to build a good bond with my teammates and coaches that will carry onto the court whenever we start playing again!

Q: What's something you wish you would have known as a young player or during your recruiting process?
Trust the process and do not rush into anything! Keep reaching out to coaches as much as possible and trust that your skills and training can take you to the next level.

Q: What's been your favorite at-home activity?
I have started baking more! My favorite things to make so far have been cookies and muffins.

Q: Who or what has been your biggest influence?
My parents have definitely been my biggest influence. They have always been there for me and have supported me throughout everything. They help push me to achieve my goals and I don't know where I would be today without them.

Q: What is something about you that would surprise most people?
I'm allergic to gluten so I am on a gluten free diet!

Rapid Fire
Arena outside of Reynolds Coliseum you are most looking forward to playing in: Carmichael Arena
Favorite Restaurant: Chipotle
Big Block or Hard Hit Kill?: Hard Hit Kill
Who's the silliest/funniest teammate?: Pam Chukwujekwu
Teammate you'd most like to be quarantined with: Sydney Ferguson
Favorite uniform color to wear: Red
Favorite sports team: Steelers
Favorite TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
Favorite Pregame Song: Anything that will get me hyped up

Players Mentioned

Pam Chukwujekwu

Sydney Ferguson

Makenzie Taylor

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