The Volleyball Interview: Taliyah Flores

Photo credit: PL South Volleyball Mozello

This is the sixth article in the series The Volleyball Interview, highlighting influential high school Nebraska volleyball players of all ages and levels to get to know them on and off the court on deeper level.

Taliyah Flores is a senior at Papillion-LaVista South high school with 1,352 kills in her high school career, 361 of them being this year. She has been a four-year varsity player and continues to dominate in her senior year. Taliyah is ranked second in the Prep Dig Nebraska Class of 2018 rankings. Here is my interview with Taliyah:

What is the best part about competing?

“The best part about competing is the amazing feeling of winning and creating memories with my friends.”

Who do you wish was watching you compete at every match?

“I wish my uncle Dustin could come to all of my games. He loves volleyball just as much as me and I’m excited to play near him next year in North Dakota.”

Who inspired you when you were a young athlete?

“My mom inspired me as a young athlete. She played and still coaches so being around it all my life and seeing her love for the game made me love it even more and I knew I wanted to be a volleyball player just like her.”

How does volleyball make you a better person?

“Volleyball makes me a better person because it teaches me dedication, hard work, and how to strive for greatness in everything I do.”

What is your favorite sports movie?

“I don’t watch a lot of sports movies but I really enjoy the message behind The Blind Side because I admire Michael’s love for the game and how he never gave up even though it would have been the easier choice.”

What occupies your free time?

“In my free time I like to listen to music, hang out with my friends, and spend time with my family.”

Why do you play volleyball?

“I play volleyball because it makes me happy. Some of my greatest memories come from volleyball and I’ve met so many great people throughout the years.”

What is one thing that you want someone watching you play volleyball to know about you?

“When people watch me play I want them to know I am having the time of my life out there and working as hard as I can.”

Who do you admire and look up to?

“I admire Raegan LeGrand. I strive to be as good of a leader and competitor as she is.”

What is your favorite thing about playing a team sport?

“My favorite thing about playing a team sport is creating memories with my best friends and the amazing feeling that they have your back on and off the court.”

What is your favorite sports brand?

“My favorite sports brand is Nike for sure.”

 What do you want young volleyball players that look up to you to know?

“I want younger players that look up to me to know that anything they wish for in volleyball or in life is achievable through hard work and a good attitude!”