The George Brown Huskies Women's Volleyball team is pleased to announce the commitment of Taylor Grant to play for the program beginning in the 2020-2021 season.
"Taylor brings something exciting and new to the GBC Women's Varsity program. She is a calibre of athlete that we are striving for in building a stronger culture," said Huskies head coach Daphne Choi. "She is fast and powerful and is so passionate about her sport. Her style of play is aggressive and unwavering, qualities that we want to instill in our athletes, and underline as key components to our program."
The 5-foot-9 left-side hitter from Winnipeg, Man., comes to the Huskies after spending the two years with the University of Winnipeg – College Wesmen (previously of the MCAC conference). Leaving her hometown and province was a hard decision for Grant, but she's excited for the opportunity to help continue to grow the women's volleyball program.
"I chose George Brown because it felt like a no-brainer. Choosing to leave the place I grew up was a very big decision and a frightening one, essentially I'm leaving my comfort zone; the only place I've ever known. I knew I wanted to go big or go home, so Toronto is the place to do that and I wanted the full experience. From the jump, Daphne expressed genuine interest in me and believed I could contribute immensely to her current roster," Grant explained. "I want to be an athlete that contributes to that progress. I want to draw people's attention to the program, I want to attract more fans and more support internally and externally. I strongly believe that I can do that. I love this sport with every fibre of my being and I want others to recognize that love and share it."
Grant is no stranger to high-level volleyball. For three years she represented the city of Winnipeg at the NABA, which is an annual tournament held for teams across North America. During that stretch, she was named team captain twice and led the squad to two finals appearances. Throughout her time with club teams such as the Flames Volleyball Club and Overkill, Grant was awarded best hitter, server and receiver in addition to being named an all-star and most valuable player.
She has also played co-ed volleyball since she was 17 years old. She credits much of her development to playing with men. The Winnipeg native also dressed for the junior varsity and varsity teams at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé high school.
"I value this opportunity to train to increase my athletic potential. I come prepared with lists of skills I want to learn, skills I need to refine, skills I need to strengthen and make my weapons," Grant stated. "I'm hoping the coaches and trainers can help me knock some of those goals off my list, but I'm really looking forward to use this opportunity to increase my mental game. The mental game is often the biggest aspect of the sport that separates the good from the great."
The Women's Volleyball program experienced a historic season in 2019-20 going 11-7. They set a franchise record for wins and earned their first crossover home playoff match since the program was inaugurated in 2006-2007. These achievements followed the team earning their first playoff berth in the previous year. The program looks to take another step forward this upcoming year, and Grant is ready for the challenge.
"When I explained to Taylor that our goal as a program was to continually push the envelope and do more than we'd ever done before, she was enthusiastic in wanting to be a part of making history with our athletes," head coach Choi explained. "I'm excited to see how amazing her contributions will be, and to work with an athlete with such a drive to excel."
Grant will be enrolled in the Fashion Techniques & Design program this upcoming Fall.
For more information on George Brown Women's Volleyball and upcoming tryouts for the 2020-21 season, contact Athletics and Recreation Coordinator Deanna Oliver at doliver@georgebrown.ca.
