Setting Up Success: A Q&A with Volleyball's Taylor Simpson
Taylor Simpson (Fin’25) is . While she calls the plays and touches the ball on nearly every point, Simpson says she is only one of “19 leaders on the team,” and that life after graduation might have to include some volleyball.
As a senior, how do you lead and mentor your teammates?
Communication is key. We have a high standard of holding each other accountable, whether it’s something we want to celebrate or something to improve. We have 19 leaders on the team — a freshman or sophomore can hold a senior accountable. Leadership is cyclical. We’re all kind of leaders, all with different roles and strengths.
Off the court, what helps the team to gel together?
We like to spend as much time together off the court as possible. We eat every meal together — seriously, I’ve eaten every meal in the last three years with my teammates. We appreciate each other as friends, whether that’s hanging out, going to the pool, watching a movie, whatever.
What stands out to you about this year’s team?
We are so close. We have 19 girls who are best friends, and that’s hard to come by. We have a lot of fun. We’re here to work, but we don’t forget our personalities. Last spring, our head coach Jesse Mahoney started “task Tuesdays.” We would get a paper with three tasks on it. Two would be volleyball related and one would be funny. One time, the third task was “Start dancing after you get a kill.” That stuff helps the team stay close.
Why did you choose Boulder?
An initial reason was being in the Pac-12, because I grew up on the West Coast. But honestly, I could totally see myself here when I came to visit. It’s so beautiful. Plus, the team culture has made it a home away from home. And now, with the move to the Big 12, I am excited to see new places. The conference switch has been great for the university.
What is something you’ve learned from coach Mahoney?
It’s hard to pick one. Coach Jesse is one of the most patient people I’ve met. Being patient is something that I’ve struggled with. He’s calm and collected. That attitude reflects onto the players. That’s helped me a lot in games when I’m frustrated or not playing my best.
How does the setter position work?
People compare the setter to a football quarterback. You run the court. You’re the one controlling everything. Ideally, you touch the ball every play. I find the best hitters to set the ball to and hope we can get a kill.
How do you communicate plays to your teammates?
My coaches pretty much give me free rein with play calls. We have about 20 plays, each with a different hand signal. I call them before serving. If it’s a chaotic situation, the hitters adjust to something simpler. We also watch a lot of film on our opponents — if they’re weak at blocking on the outside, we’ll set the outside as much as possible. Same if we see weaknesses in other areas.
In a match, you might have to set the ball up to 100 times. What kind of training program do you follow to sustain your health and strength?
We’re doing strength, cardio, circuits, power lifts, jumping. Working all parts of our bodies helps keep us in top condition. Nothing is getting too stiff. Nothing is getting weak. Communication with our trainers is so important. If I do something 100 times and it feels off once, I’m communicating that. Recovery and treatment are key as well.
What is your favorite part about playing volleyball?
I love the sport. It’s awesome how rapidly it’s growing. I met all my best friends through volleyball. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I started playing when I was 9, and it’s hard to imagine my life without it.
How does your team maintain such positive energy on the court?
Staying positive and supportive is one of the hardest skills to learn, even though it’s not physical. It’s something a lot of us have worked on. We do team workshops with our sports psychology staff to learn how to be better teammates. We are truly a family. These are my sisters. We want the best for each other.
What do you like to do off the court?
I love the ocean. The beach is my escape, my happy place. And I love to laugh with friends. It’s super important to joke and have fun.
Do you have plans for after graduation?
I have a wealth management internship. I’ll be taking exams once I graduate to get my financial planner license and my financial advisor license, along with a few others. Right now, that’s my plan. But I could see more volleyball in my future. I don’t know if I’ll be ready to give it up. Ask me in six months.
Interview by Andrew Daigle
Photos by the University of Colorado