Taylor Smith, an incoming signee for Eastern Michigan University’s volleyball program, has achieved a remarkable feat by being crowned the 2023 Michigan Miss Volleyball, an accolade presented by the Detroit Free Press.
The honor is voted on by coaches statewide, and Smith secured the most votes with 165 points in voting, followed by Grandville's Zoey Dood (153 points), North Branch's Hailey Green (128), Clarkston's Cayla Cogan (123), and Hudsonville's Isabelle Swiercz (120).
Before the unexpected announcement that she had won, Smith found herself in her school’s gymnasium for an impromptu assembly, completely unaware of what was about to happen while seated among her teammates.
"I never thought that I could win,“ Smith said. "It means so much to me to have been awarded. It’s crazy, and it feels very surreal. I feel very honored, and I’m very excited to be able to bring it home, especially for a small school.”
As an incoming freshman set to join the Eagles in the 2024 season, Smith not only marks a historic moment for EMU by being the first incoming signee to receive this accolade but also stands as Greater Lansing's first Miss Volleyball winner since 2016.
"What an honor for Taylor,“ EMU Head Coach Kevin Foeman told EMU Athletics. "It is truly well deserved for such a wonderful person and player. I can't wait to see Taylor in green and white soon.”
Smith, who had other schools to choose from besides EMU, said Eastern just felt like home for her.
“I’m most excited to be a part of a program that will push me to succeed, not only as a player but also as a person,” Smith said. "It’s a very good environment, and I’m really excited to be a part of the team."
Pewamo-Westphalia Head Coach Jon Thelen said Smith's work ethic and drive are qualities that have contributed to her success.
"I'm just so proud of her,“ Thelen said. "As coaches, we can help with skill and game strategy, but the actual improvement comes from how hardworking and driven she is. She has helped inspire the next generation of kids in our program.”
Smith's impact on Pewamo-Westphalia's program has been profound throughout her four-year varsity career. From earning 2nd team all-state honors as a sophomore to clinching the state title as a junior and accumulating over 3,000 assists in her final season, Smith's journey exemplifies the transformative power of dedication and hard work.
"[Taylor] showed everyone in the state that if you work hard enough, even small school athletes can win Ms. Volleyball and go D1,” Thelen said.
