Reds�?? Future Faces: Taylor MacDonald

In the first installment of this season’s Reds’ Future Faces, The Brunswickan chose to sit down with women’s volleyball rookie Taylor MacDonald. The Bathurst native is a left-side player coming out of Volleyball New Brunswick’s Provincial Elite Program excelling not only on the court, but in the classroom as well. MacDonald received the President’s Scholarship for her academic achievements and will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science.

MacDonald discusses her reasons for attending UNB as well as what she brings to the Varsity Reds program.

Brunswickan: Were there any other schools looking at you for volleyball and what brought you to UNBF?

Taylor MacDonald: The only others schools looking at me for volleyball were Dalhousie University and UNBSJ. The fact that UNBF had a new sports facility being built with a finishing date set for sometime this year was a big factor. I've seen pictures and it looks amazing. Also, [Head Coach] John Richard was my provincial team coach in 2008. I liked his style of coaching and knew that I would be able to work well with him. Receiving the President's Scholarship and a UNB athletic scholarship also made my consideration for UNB stronger.

B: What have you done to prepare for the playing with the Reds?

TM: I played my fourth year of provincial volleyball and had the opportunity to go to nationals in Winnipeg. Playing against the best provinces in Canada really opened my eyes to the level of play and strong competitors I would be dealing with next year.

B: What assets do you bring to the team on and off the court?

TM: On the court, my biggest assets would be my natural athleticism, my power, and my willingness to learn. Off the court, I bring support to all of my team members and a sincere attitude.

B: When did you first start playing volleyball and what got you into playing it?

TM: I started playing volleyball in grade six. My parents encouraged my older sister and me to pursue all athletic interests and after many years of participating in many sports, volleyball became my first love.

B: What successes have you had in your volleyball career thus far?

TM: The school based awards I received in my volleyball career range from Best Offensive Player to MVP. I also received the Female Athlete of the Year award this year. When the provincial team competed at the Eastern Championships in 2007/2008, I won the All-Star award and received another All-Star award this past fall at provincials for club teams.

B: What do you expect will be the biggest adjustment from high school to university level volleyball?

TM: The biggest adjustment from high school to university level volleyball will be the athletic ability and skills of all the athletes I will be competing against. There will be no weakest link on any of the teams. There will definitely be added pressure playing in front of more people because I'll have bigger expectations for myself. It will take a while to get used to playing in front of big crowds, but I am looking forward to the change.