10/21/2026
Viper Nation, let’s give it up for senior Bella Taylor! 💜🏐🖤
We are so proud of Bella for earning a volleyball scholarship to Florida Memorial University! We can’t wait to watch one of our very own continue her academic and athletic journey at the collegiate level!
Congratulations, Bella! Your Viper Family will be cheering you on every step of the way!
A special thank you to Brevard Sports Network for this incredible write up and for highlighting Bella’s accomplishments!
BSN RECRUITING SPOTLIGHT: FROM ALL-STAR CHEERLEADER TO COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL — SPACE COAST STAR ISABELLA TAYLOR COMMITS TO FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY
By: Brevard Sports Network
SPACE COAST, FL — Four years ago, Isabella Taylor wasn’t dreaming about breaking volleyball records, competing at national tournaments or earning a college scholarship to play the sport.
In fact, volleyball wasn’t even her sport. For 12 years, Taylor’s athletic world revolved around All-Star cheerleading. But when she decided it was time for something different, the Space Coast Junior/Senior High School standout took a chance on a game she had never played competitively.
She was 14 years old, beginning her freshman year and had no idea just how dramatically that decision would change her future.
After only two games on the junior varsity team, Taylor was promoted to varsity. What followed was a remarkable rise that included a school-record 362-kill season, national tournament recognition, outstanding academic achievement and an opportunity to continue playing the sport she had discovered almost by accident.
On September 11, Taylor announced her commitment to Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, where she will continue her academic and athletic career as a member of the Lions women’s volleyball program.
Perhaps, the most meaningful part of her decision was that the opportunity came with a full scholarship. For a young woman who didn’t begin playing volleyball until high school, it was a moment that made every practice, setback and sacrifice worthwhile.
FROM 12 YEARS OF CHEERLEADING TO A VARSITY VOLLEYBALL UNIFORM
Some athletes spend their childhoods playing the same sport, attending camps and competing on travel teams long before reaching high school. Taylor’s path was considerably different.
After dedicating 12 years to All-Star cheerleading, she decided to explore something new. Volleyball tryouts were approaching, and she figured she would give the sport a chance.
“I play for Countdown Volleyball Club. I started playing volleyball my Freshman year of high school, making me 14 years old when I started playing. I was an All-Star cheerleader for 12 years of my life and I was just ready for something different.”
“After finishing my last cheer season, I decided to try out for volleyball since tryouts were arising. The coaches saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and I actually ended up on the Varsity roster after only two games on JV.”
That final sentence tells an important part of Taylor’s story. Before she fully understood her potential, her coaches recognized it. They saw an athlete with the instincts, determination and willingness to learn that could translate into success on the volleyball court.
The transition wasn’t simply about learning a new sport. It meant developing unfamiliar skills, understanding positioning, mastering timing and adjusting to the demands of competitive volleyball.
Taylor embraced the challenge. With help from her high school coaches and the Countdown Volleyball Club program, she began transforming raw athletic ability into the skills of a legitimate college prospect and it didn’t take long for the results to follow.
A RECORD-BREAKING RISE AT SPACE COAST
Taylor’s development into one of Brevard County’s most productive volleyball players has been impressive, particularly considering how recently she began playing the sport.
Her earliest listed varsity statistics came during the 2023-24 season, when she appeared in 48 sets as an eighth-grader, recording eight kills, nine digs and four total blocks. By her junior season in 2025-26, Taylor had become a major offensive weapon for the Vipers.
Appearing in 84 sets, she delivered an outstanding 362 kills, averaging 4.3 kills per set while producing a .272 hitting percentage. She also collected 371 digs, recorded 28 total blocks and contributed 377 serve receptions.
The 362 kills established a Space Coast school record for the most kills in a single season, an accomplishment Taylor considers one of the defining moments of her high school career but she wasn’t finished developing. During her senior season in 2026-27, Taylor continued to establish herself as a leader for the Vipers, producing 274 kills in 75 sets while improving her hitting percentage to an impressive .344.
She also added 323 digs, 13 total blocks and 245 serve receptions. Taylor led Space Coast in kills and finished second on the team in digs, demonstrating her value on both sides of the net.
Across her three listed varsity seasons, she accumulated 644 kills, 703 digs and 45 total blocks in 207 sets, along with a .299 career hitting percentage.
Those numbers reflect an athlete who developed from a newcomer to volleyball into a player capable of influencing matches with her offense, defensive effort and overall versatility and her accomplishments extended beyond the high school season.
“One of my favorite moments would be breaking the school record for most kills in a single season with 362 total kills,” Taylor told BSN.
“Another big accomplishment was receiving the 2025 AAU Nationals MVP and being recognized on the 2026 USAV Nationals team.”
For Taylor, those achievements were validation of the countless hours spent learning a sport she had only recently discovered but perhaps the greatest reward was still ahead.
FLORIDA MEMORIAL — THE SCHOOL THAT CHECKED EVERY BOX
Located in Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a historically Black university whose women’s volleyball program competes in the NAIA’s Sun Conference.
The Lions are led by head coach Kathryn Hogan and play their home matches at the FMU Wellness Center.
For Taylor, the opportunity to continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level was exciting, but finding a school that felt like home was equally important and from her first conversation with Hogan, she sensed that Florida Memorial might be the right place.
“I knew FMU was the right place for me when me and the coach connected instantly on our first conversation. The campus is gorgeous and I felt right at home when touring.”
Taylor tell BSN she also considered Bethune-Cookman University, but Florida Memorial ultimately provided the combination of academics, athletics and personal connection she wanted.
“Bethune-Cookman was a school I was considering but ultimately Florida Memorial checked off all my boxes. I only received one scholarship offer throughout my recruitment.”
That single offer would prove life-changing. Taylor explained that the moment she learned Florida Memorial was offering her a full scholarship helped seal her decision.
“The conversation where I was offered a full ride to attend FMU is what sold it for me. Having the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career for no cost is a big deal.”
For Taylor and her family, the scholarship represents more than an opportunity to continue playing volleyball. It means pursuing a college education without the financial burden she otherwise might have faced, while continuing to compete in a sport she has grown to love and once she made her decision, she had no interest in reopening her recruitment.
“There is nothing that could make me change my mind about FMU. I am officially closed off from hearing from other programs.”
COACH KATHRYN HOGAN AND A CULTURE THAT MADE AN IMPRESSION
Taylor’s relationship with Florida Memorial head coach Kathryn Hogan was central to her commitment.
Hogan personally handled Taylor’s recruitment, establishing a connection that extended beyond what the Space Coast standout could contribute on the court.
“Coach Hogan made a good first impression on me. She showed that she cares for her athletes beyond the court and that she’ll fight anything to protect her girls. I admire her coaching style and I’m excited to see all her future ideas for the team come to life. Coach Hogan was the only one responsible for recruiting me.”
Taylor was also drawn to the university’s HBCU environment and the sense of belonging she experienced during her visit.
“The HBCU culture definitely stood out to me throughout the recruitment process. Seeing how well Coach Hogan brings together the diversion of the team is truly inspiring and made me want to be apart of it.”
The opportunity to meet current players further strengthened her confidence in the decision.
“I was able to visit the FMU campus and was given the opportunity to speak to some current players. Being able to converse with them really solidified my decision and made me happy with my future plans.”
Florida Memorial’s volleyball program has experienced its share of challenges, including a difficult 2026 campaign in which the Lions finished 0-16 overall and 0-10 in conference play. For Taylor, joining the program presents an opportunity to contribute to its development under Hogan’s leadership and the coaching staff has already expressed confidence in her ability to make an impact.
PROVING THAT HEIGHT DOESN’T DEFINE A VOLLEYBALL PLAYER
One of the most meaningful aspects of Taylor’s recruitment was Hogan’s willingness to look beyond her height and recognize her ability. Taylor committed as an outside hitter and defensive specialist, with the opportunity to compete at the position she most wanted to play in college.
“I committed as an Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist. Coach Hogan says she sees past my height and is excited to see me kill it out on the court. Being an Outside Hitter is the position I was hoping to play at the collegiate level so being given that opportunity also persuaded me into taking the scholarship at FMU.”
Her production at Space Coast supports that confidence. With 644 career kills and more than 700 digs, Taylor has demonstrated that she can contribute offensively while remaining actively involved in the defensive side of the game but she understands that the transition to college volleyball will require continued development.
“I’m not the tallest volleyball player in the world so blocking is always something I’ve wanted to improve on. I take serve-receive very seriously and know that part of my game can always improve. Another big part I want to get better at is just the mental aspect of the game. Having the ability to still have confidence in myself after a few mistakes will change the entire dynamic for me.”
That self-awareness is an important part of Taylor’s growth. She knows she won’t win every point, make every perfect pass or avoid every mistake. What matters is how she responds and after building an impressive volleyball career in a relatively short period, she has already demonstrated a willingness to learn, adapt and keep pushing forward.
Her high school coach Jay Penn told BSN that he cannot believe that schools pass on a player like Taylor just because of height. “Half of these programs may be able to increase their win totals exponentially if they sometimes look past height and pick student athletes with the heart and work ethic of a Bella Taylor.”
A 4.0 GPA AND A FUTURE IN PSYCHOLOGY
While volleyball helped open the door to Florida Memorial, Taylor has made it clear that academics are her top priority. The Space Coast standout carries a 4.0 unweighted GPA and plans to study psychology. For Taylor, the opportunity to earn a college degree is the foundation of her decision, with volleyball providing an additional opportunity to pursue something she loves.
“I currently hold a 4.0 unweighted GPA and I plan on studying Psychology,” she tells BSN.
“The academic side was the most important part of choosing my school. I’m ultimately there to gain an education and playing volleyball is something that I’m blessed to have come with it.”
That perspective reflects the maturity of a young woman who understands the value of education and the opportunities a college degree can provide. Her full scholarship allows her to pursue those goals while continuing to compete, making Florida Memorial an especially meaningful destination.
THE COACHES, FAMILY AND TEAMMATES WHO BELIEVED IN HER
When Taylor announced her commitment on Instagram on September 11, her message was filled with gratitude. It wasn’t simply a celebration of receiving a scholarship. It was an acknowledgment of everyone who helped her reach a moment that once seemed so far away.
“After years of dreaming about this moment, I’m so grateful to finally say that I have committed to Florida Memorial University! I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and believed in me even when things weren’t easy. Every practice, game, setback, and sacrifice has helped me grow into the athlete and person I am today. I’m beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds.
Thank you, Florida Memorial for believing in me — I’m so excited to call this place home.”
Taylor made certain to recognize the coaches who helped her develop from a beginning volleyball player into a college recruit.
In her announcement, she specifically thanked Coach Jay Penn, Coach David Specian, Coach Amanda Hollis, Coach Maddie, Coach Peyton and the rest of the Countdown Volleyball staff.
She also emphasized the importance of her faith, family and the people who encouraged her throughout the recruiting process.
“I always will thank God for helping me reach this exciting milestone in my life. I’d also mention my high school coaches Jay Penn and Amanda Hollis, club Coach David Specian, my parents and my peers. I take pride and honor in being able to represent Space Coast Jr Sr High School and Brevard County as a whole.”
Those words carry particular meaning when considering how Taylor’s volleyball journey began. She wasn’t a lifelong club volleyball player who had been preparing for a college scholarship since elementary school. She was a teenager looking for a new challenge after more than a decade of cheerleading.
Her coaches recognized potential, encouraged her to pursue it and helped her develop the confidence to compete at a higher level. Now, that same young woman is preparing to play college volleyball on a full scholarship.
PATIENCE, CONFIDENCE AND TRUSTING YOUR OWN TIMELINE
Taylor’s journey offers an encouraging message to younger athletes who may feel they started too late, aren’t tall enough or haven’t progressed as quickly as their peers.
Her story is proof that athletic development doesn’t always follow a predictable timeline. In only a few years, she went from learning the fundamentals of volleyball to breaking a school record and earning a college opportunity.
But Taylor doesn’t believe young athletes should spend their time comparing their progress to everyone else’s.
“My biggest motto is always to focus on the present and what is in front of you right now. The rest will all fall into place and play out as it should so don’t rush anything. You are never behind, you are just on your own timing.”
It’s a message that reflects both her recruiting experience and her approach to life. Taylor understands that every athlete develops differently, and that the most important thing is to continue working toward personal goals without allowing someone else’s journey to define success.
THE BEACH, HER LITTLE SISTER AND LIFE AWAY FROM VOLLEYBALL
As much as Taylor loves competing, she also appreciates the opportunity to step away from the demands of volleyball and enjoy the people and places that help her recharge.
Growing up on Florida’s Space Coast, the beach has become one of her favorite escapes but the person who brings her the most joy away from the court is her younger sister.
“My favorite place to go when I’m not on the court is the beach. Something about it resets my mindset and relaxes me. I also love to hangout with my little sister when I have the time. I always have a good laugh when I’m with her and I wouldn’t want anyone else as my best friend.”
It’s a simple but meaningful glimpse into the person behind the statistics and recruiting headlines. For Taylor, family, faith and the relationships she has built are just as important as the accomplishments she has earned.
FROM THE SPACE COAST TO MIAMI GARDENS — A DREAM REALIZED
For Isabella Taylor, the journey to Florida Memorial University is a reminder that some of the most meaningful opportunities begin with the courage to try something new.
At 14, she walked away from a sport she had spent 12 years competing in and stepped onto a volleyball court without knowing what the future might hold. Her coaches saw potential. She embraced the challenge. And through dedication, perseverance and a willingness to improve, she transformed that opportunity into a remarkable high school career.
Along the way, Taylor broke a school record, earned national recognition, accumulated 644 career kills and 703 digs, maintained a 4.0 GPA and secured a full scholarship to continue her education and athletic career but perhaps the most impressive part of her journey isn’t what she has already accomplished.
It’s the perspective she has gained along the way. Taylor understands that mistakes are part of growth, confidence must be developed and success doesn’t happen on the same schedule for everyone.
Now, a new chapter awaits in Miami Gardens, where she will have the opportunity to pursue a degree in psychology, compete for Coach Kathryn Hogan and continue developing as a volleyball player.
From a young cheerleader looking for something different to a future Florida Memorial Lion, Taylor has discovered just how far believing in herself can take her and for the coaches who saw something special in her before she could see it herself, this commitment is a moment worth celebrating.
Congratulations to Isabella Taylor and her family on this outstanding achievement from all of us at Brevard Sports Network!
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