Name: Taylor Segneri
School: Rock Falls
Sport: Volleyball
Year: Senior
Why she was selected: Segneri had 12 kills and two blocks to help the Rockets come back for a 25-23, 26-24 Big Northern Conference win over Stillman Valley. She is second on the team in kills with 209, converting 3.1 per set. She leads the team with a .237 hitting percentage. She also has 16 blocks and 60 digs this season.
Segneri was voted the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week, presented by Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning. Here is a Q&A with her.
How did you first get into volleyball? What has helped keep you in it?
Segneri: I first got into volleyball when I was in fifth grade. All the girls in my class decided to join the team and I did too. Then I fell in love and knew this is the sport I wanted to play for the rest of my time while in school.
What kinds of things have you learned from volleyball?
Segneri: From volleyball I have learned that everybody makes mistakes but mistakes don’t define who you are. We are all in this together and trying to do our best and be the best we can.
What stands out about this year’s team?
Segneri: I feel like this year’s team all became super close, almost like I have 10 sisters. We also were a pretty undersized team but we have proven that our size doesn’t define our ability.
Any goals for you individually? What about as a team?
Segneri: My goal for this year’s team is that we will go far in the postseason. It would be an amazing experience for my last season.
Favorite volleyball memory?
Segneri: My favorite volleyball memory has been all of the team dinners we’ve had. I enjoy hanging out with the girls off the court and getting closer with them.
Do you have a favorite athlete, sports team or anyone else that inspires you?
Segneri: My favorite athlete has to be Harper Murray. She inspires me because she is insanely good and so fun to watch, but she has also proven herself so much with all the mental health issues she has gone through and she continues to thrive on the Nebraska volleyball team.
Any other sports, hobbies or activities you are involved in?
Segneri: I am also on the basketball dance team. I joined when I was a sophomore and I have loved it ever since. I’m incredibly grateful my friend convinced me to try out.
Do you have a favorite book or quote?
Segneri: My favorite book is “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover.
Favorite restaurant or meal?
Segneri: My favorite meal is chicken fettuccine alfredo.
Favorite place you have visited?
Segneri: My favorite place I’ve visited is Cozumel, Mexico.
Favorite TV Show or movie?
Segneri: My favorite TV show is Grey’s Anatomy.
Favorite music artist or genre?
Segneri: My favorite music genre is R&B.
Any favorite school subjects or teachers?
Segneri: My favorite class I’ve taken is anatomy with one of the best teachers, Mindy Porter. I also loved taking my math class with Mindy Teske and English class with Vicki Swegle. They all have made my high school experience amazing and I’ve loved every second in their classes.
Do you have plans yet for after high school?
Segneri: After high school I plan to attend Sauk Valley Community College to become an ultrasound technician and then after I finish my program there I intend to transfer out. I’m not sure to what school yet, to specialize in Cardiac ultrasound.