VYPE: How and when did you first start playing volleyball?
Taryn Chaffee: I started playing volleyball when I was 9 years old because of a family friend who suggested that I try it. Her daughter played and thought I would like it!

VYPE: What made you fall in love with the sport?
TC: When I realized that it was actually fun and I had the mentality of wanting to get better and better each day, and of course the friendships that I have made from the sport!

VYPE: Are you involved with any other sports, activities, clubs or special interests?
TC: I also play club volleyball as well. I love sports, especially Sooners football, supercross, and going to the lake with my family and friends!

VYPE: What does character mean to you as a student, as an athlete and as a teammate?
TC: Character to me means be the best I be, do the most I can do, give 100% all the time, and always try and be positive on the court and in the classroom

VYPE: What does it mean to you to be a Southmoore Sabercat?
TC: It is a privilege and honor to be a sabercat. I enjoy being with my teammates, who are family to me, and pushing together to be better every practice and every game, and never giving up during times of adversity.

VYPE: Which teammate, past or present, has had the greatest impact on you? Why?
TC: Zya Greenfield. It was her senior year last year and I was a freshman. She was our libero at the time and she taught me so many things not just in volleyball but outside of it as well. She was always pushing me to be my best and always encouraged me. She had so much confidence in me to play to my highest potential every game and that helped me believe in myself.

VYPE: What’s a piece of advice a coach or teacher has given you that stuck with you?
TC: I was having a rough time with volleyball at the time and one of my sixth grade teachers Mrs. Birney told to me keep pushing myself and to never give up even when you want to, and that has definitely stuck with me because at random times I will start thinking of that conversation we had in the hallway. Also my current coach, Coach S, has helped me through ups and downs by keeping my confidence up and always pushing me to give my best effort even when things aren’t going as planned.

VYPE: What are your goals for this season and this school year?
TC: My goals for this season are simple, to keep grinding and to keep getting better. I think the saying “All gas, no breaks” really explains it. My goal for the school year is to maintain my 4.0 GPA!

VYPE: What are your future ambitions?
TC: To play volleyball at the college level!