Southern Wayne senior setter Taylor Lee surpassed the 1,000-assist mark for her career this season. She finished with 1,144 assists. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
DUDLEY — Setters are the “quarterback” who orchestrate an offense that requires intelligence, must react quickly and serve as a second coach on the volleyball court.
That describes Taylor Lee.
A soft-spoken senior who has provided an impact for Southern Wayne’s volleyball program, Taylor doesn’t always shine in the limelight like her fellow hitters.
Until recently.
Lee etched her name in the Saints’ record book with a 27-assist performance against South Johnston in mid-September. She surpassed the 1,000-career assist mark that afternoon.
Lee ended her career with 1,144 assists.
“Wow,” exclaimed Lee, who doled out 418 assists this season. “It made me feel proud because I know I’ve worked hard, but also thankful for the amazing coaches and teammates who have pushed me to do my best.
“I like how competitive and fast-paced [volleyball] is. I especially love being a setter because I’m a part of the action in almost every play.”
A four-year varsity starter, Lee ranked No. 4 among Quad County 3A setters with 418 assists and 5.4 assists per sets this past fall. She served 99 aces and picked up 365 digs during her career.
Lee helped guide the Saints to three consecutive NC High School Athletic Association 3A playoff appearances as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
“I don’t have enough good things to say about Taylor,” said third-year SW head coach Hannah Sladick Walker. “She is everything a coach looks for in a player. She leads by example by always giving 110 percent, being a good teammate and respecting her coaches.
“Whatever she puts her mind to, she does well – including school, sports and hobbies. She is a one-of-a-kind player and person.”
Born in an athletic family, Lee admitted that inexperience, insecurity about her abilities, confusion and intimidation from older teammates haunted her as a freshman.
A competitive dancer for 10-plus years, she relied on those skills and agility to help her movement on the court. Once she made that first touch on the ball, her worries slipped away.
Lee learned mistakes would happen.
“I had to stay determined to make the next play,” Lee said.
Her confidence grew from there.
Lee passed out 40 assists during a match against county rival Charles B. Aycock during her freshman season – which remains as her career-best effort.
Since then, she’s had a pair of 30-assist outings and numerous games with 20 or more assists during 85 appearances on the court.
“I have learned that volleyball is mental game,” Lee said. “Of course, skill is important, but you must also be willing to give everything on the court. I’ve developed a mental toughness that helps me brush off mistakes and prepare for the next play. I’ve never played well when focused on my mistakes.”
Lee faced a different challenge this season.
Graduation and attrition changed team dynamic.
She — along with fellow senior Jy’Asha Cousin — had to take some younger, inexperienced players under their wings. Though the Saints’ final record said otherwise, it didn’t reflect the improvement the team showed as the season progressed.
Lee believed her teammates’ skills improved in all aspects of the game from the opening day of practice through the season-ending loss at West Johnston.
“[We improved] especially in serve and serve receive,” Lee said. “A lot of our players were new to varsity this year, so it took some time to get used to play with each other. But, since the beginning of the season, our team chemistry improved and we worked well together.”
Lee is modestly proud of her accomplishments.
Her memories, understandably, mean more.
“I’m especially grateful for my teammates I’ve played alongside for years like Jy’Asha and Mylee Wiggs,” Lee said. “Coach Walker is someone I respect and look up to. Not only has she taught me to be a better setter, she has also taught me how to be tough when things are challenging. That is how I know she cares about her team.
“I will carry what she has taught me for the rest of my life.”
You may reach Rudy Coggins at sportwriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
