Former Winthrop Volleyball player and Alumna, Kelley Taylor ‘10 and ‘12 spent her time as a student preparing to become a teacher.
“When I did my field experience, there were times that I would wake up at 5am to go to the school and then have an away game in the evening and not get back to my dorm until midnight or later,” Taylor said.
Taylor completed her field experience at Erwin Elementary in Lancaster and a full-time internship at Jefferson Elementary in York.
“I truly had the best teammates,” Taylor said. “We spent time on the court together, traveling together and even just being regular college students.”
During Taylor’s freshman year in 2006, her and the team won the Big South Championship.
“I actually did not play much being a freshman, but I just remember being so excited,” Taylor said. “We had a ring ceremony and I remember it being really special.”
Taylor was mentored by former Winthrop Volleyball coaches, Joel McCartney and Sally Polhamus.
“Polhamus, Shannon Wells and Chuck Rey definitely made a huge impact on me as a player and person,” Taylor said. “They were more than coaches. They coached hard but they also mentored me to just be a good person.”
Between volleyball practice and class, Taylor progressed towards her degree by being in the classroom doing field experience and internships.
“I think the College of Education did a great job preparing me,” Taylor said. “However, I don’t think you can ever be truly prepared to be by yourself on the first day of teaching in your own classroom. So much of what I have learned about teaching has been through teaching and having my own classroom.”
While being a part of the College of Education, professor emeriti Linda Pickett who specialized in elementary science education and Mary Watson who instructed at Macfeat Early Childhood Laboratory School made an impact on Taylor.
“Linda Pickett was truly my hero. So many times, I wanted to leave Winthrop because I missed home or just struggled with a class and she was always so supportive,” Taylor said. “Mary Watson also played a huge role in who I am as a teacher. While I was in graduate school I worked as her graduate assistant in Macfeat Kindergarten. I learned so many things about good teaching and building relationships.”
Aside from volleyball and schoolwork, Taylor was involved in the academic chapter Kappa Delta Pi and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
“My faith is a huge part of who I am so that’s why I joined FCA,” Taylor said.
Taylor graduated with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 2010 and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
After graduating Taylor began teaching fourth grade and later, third grade. Now she is currently working as an elementary technology teacher.
“I try to go to a volleyball game or two each season, but I have three kids under 5 which has kept me incredibly busy,” Taylor said. “I am hoping as my kids get older, I will be able to be more involved since we live in the area.”
“Winthrop was a major part of who I am today,” Taylor said. “Once I made friends I really felt at home at Winthrop,” Taylor said.
