BAKER —Taylor Brunson, a back row setter and hitter on Baker School's volleyball team, will represent Okaloosa County at an All-Stars game Nov. 17 in Pensacola.
Baker Coach Kathy Combest said, "She does both real well, she's a strong outside hitter, she's got good jumps. She hits well, she hits hard and she's smart. As a hitter she's got great hands and she mixes the sets up to mislead the defense. She does a great job at that."
Here, we catch up with Brunson.
What's the best part of playing volleyball?
I think the best part about it is the overall feeling of being a part of a team and being a part of something that's bigger than yourself.
What's the worst part of playing volleyball?
The worst part is probably either losing or having to do the conditioning.
What do you think are the strong points of your game?
I think for as long as I can remember I've always been a setter, so my setting ability is one of my main strong points. And being a leader and encouraging my teammates when they get down is one of my other qualities.
How are you preparing for the All-Star match?
I've been lifting weights since the weightlifting season has started, and I started running to stay in shape.
How old were you when you started playing volleyball?
I was in the sixth grade.
What other sports do you play?
I'm involved in weightlifting and track.
Are you planning on playing at the college level?
No, I don't think I'm going to play on a team, but I might play (intramurals) or something like that.
What are your hobbies outside volleyball?
I enjoy other sports and getting to go play with my friends, or hanging out and going to to the football games, watching and supporting my friends. We like to camp and travel, too.
What is your favorite movie?
I think most recently it's "The Shallows," a new scary one about the shark and all.
What is your favorite music group?
Probably Justin Bieber.
North Okaloosa players joining Taylor Brunson on the East All-Stars team Nov. 17 in Pensacola are:
- Whitley Taylor of Baker School
- Cailey Ness and Kierra Potts of Crestview High School
- Rachel Welsh of Laurel Hill School
The East team includes students from Central, Choctawhatchee, Fort Walton Beach, Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, Navarre, Niceville, Pace and Rocky Bayou high schools. They will face West team players from Catholic, East Hill, Escambia, Northview, Pensacola Christian, Pensacola, Pine Forest, Tate, Washington and West Florida high schools.
North Okaloosa's volleyball All-Stars
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 10 questions with Baker's Taylor Brunson