Quick Hits with Taylor Burrell
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Quick Hits gives University of Miami volleyball fans an opportunity to get to know the student-athletes on the Hurricanes’ roster.
The latest installment introduces outside hitter Taylor Burrell. A native of Boca Raton, Fla., Burrell is the first student-athlete to enroll early in volleyball since head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara took over the program prior to the 2013 season.
Name: Taylor Burrell
Hometown: Boca Raton, FL
High School: West Boca Community High School
Major: Entrepreneurship/Public Health
Q&A
Q: Why did you decide to attend the University of Miami?
A: I had a very good connection with the coaches and just finding out about the overall opportunities I can achieve athletically and academically at UM.
Q: What has your time at Miami been like so far?
A: Since I came in the spring, life has been great. I’ve really gotten adjusted to everything pretty quickly, so it will make it an easier transition in the fall.
Q: What has been your favorite part of being a Hurricane?
A: Just knowing that I am representing such an amazing school and seeing how much I can achieve here in the classroom and on the court.
Q: Has anyone taken you under their wing, shown you around and helped with your transition to college? If so, who, and how have they helped you adjust?
A: Yes, all of my teammates have been super helpful, especially Cam [Dobbs] who is another outside hitter. She has been amazing and helped me out so much with knowing how everything is on campus and what is available for athletes.
Q: What has been the biggest adjustment for you since you arrived?
A: Just figuring out where everything is and managing my time.
Q: Are there any classes you are taking so far that you like?
A: My BUS101 class is super interesting and intriguing. It’s one of my favorite classes so far.
Q: What made you choose your major?
A: I’ve always been interested in starting my own company, but I also have an interest in health from being in the medical program at my high school, so I am thinking of somehow combining both.
Q: What are you most excited for about being in college?
A: Getting involved with SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), excelling in all my classes and on the court.
Q: What do you like to do outside of your sport?
A: Watch Netflix and relax or listen to music or hang out with friends
Fill in the Blank
I committed to Miami over other schools because: I felt a connection here and there’s so much room for success here compared to other schools
When I think of Miami volleyball, I think of: fun and hard work
My favorite part of being a Hurricane student-athlete is: becoming an expert at time management and always repping UM
If I had to describe the team in one word it would be: energetic
Coral Gables is different from my hometown because: it is in the city
The biggest adjustment from high school to college has been: being on my own and handling more freedom
When I committed to the University of Miami, I felt: beyond ecstatic and I knew I made the right choice
I love volleyball because: it allows me to show my athletic ability and can take me to higher places one day
My favorite moment in my volleyball career was: playing at the open level in tournaments
Quick Hits
Favorite Athlete: Kevin Durant
Favorite Professional Sports Team: Golden State Warriors
Favorite Meal: Benihana’s Chicken Fried Rice
Favorite Candy: Sour Patch
Favorite Movie: White Chicks
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Favorite Music Artist: 21 Savage and Khalid
My first pets were: a dog
My favorite place on campus is: Athlete Cafe
My favorite University of Miami alumni is: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
The farthest place from home I’ve been is: Las Vegas
If I could be any celebrity, I would be: Rihanna
If I could take a vacation anywhere in the world, I would travel to: Aruba
In my spare time, I like to: watch Netflix or sleep
My favorite sport to watch on TV is: football
My nicknames are: Tay, Tay-Tay, Tayonce
