Taylor Trammell announced her transfer from Purdue to Penn State women’s volleyball on February 12 after two standout seasons in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Trammell, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker from Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, earned a spot on the Big Ten all-freshman team during the COVID-shortened 2020 season played in spring 2021 after starting all 23 matches for the Boilermakers. She played her club volleyball for Lexington United.
Trammell ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 1.33 blocks per set during her sophomore season last fall. In her career to date, she has 41 starts, 219 kills, and 246 total blocks, establishing herself as one of the Big Ten’s best blockers.
Trammell was the second of four incoming transfers to pick the Nittany Lions this offseason following Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s hiring as the third head coach in Penn State women’s volleyball program history on January 10. Kashauna Williams, Zoe Weatherington, and Seleisa Elisaia also committed to Penn State.
Trammell discussed her commitment to the Nittany Lions, her admiration for Penn State alumna and Olympic gold medalist Haleigh Washington, and what it was like meeting her new teammates on her visit to campus, among other topics, in an exclusive interview with DigNittanyVolleyball.
What were the biggest factors in your decision to commit to Penn State?
“The great academics and the volleyball legacy. When you think of volleyball and what school has impacted the game the most, you think of Penn State.”
What’s your relationship like with Penn State’s coaching staff? When did you first start hearing from them after entering the portal?
“They are so nice and friendly. Coach Katie reached out to me quickly after entering. After my first call with her, I immediately wanted to go there and visit. The coaching staff just made me feel at home when I visited.”
What do you like about Penn State’s campus and the facilities? How was it meeting the team on your visit?
“Penn State is a pretty big campus and college town. I had been there before, but actually getting to see the campus and downtown area was what felt special to me. When I met the team for the first time, it was actually during a practice. The girls were all so kind and I got to meet and talk to everyone there. I also got to go to lunches and dinners with a couple of the girls, which was really nice.”
What are some of your strengths as a player? What are you focusing on improving before arriving at Penn State?
“I would say some of my strengths as a player are keeping a calm demeanor, being goal-oriented, and my blocking skills. I feel that I can always improve on my blocking and going behind. These two things have been key for me to focus on next season.”
How familiar were you with Penn State volleyball growing up? Are there any players you particularly enjoyed watching?
“I loved watching Penn State volleyball growing up, especially in middle school. This is when I knew I wanted to play in the Big Ten, and I liked watching players like Haleigh Washington. Seeing another middle on TV who looked liked me meant a lot to me as a teen.”
What are you most looking forward to about getting on campus and beginning to train with your new teammates?
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on campus and training with my teammates. I just can’t wait to play volleyball again. It feels like it’s been so long already. Being a COVID freshman, we constantly were training and never got a true break, so it feels weird now to have a break before season starts.”
What are some things Penn State volleyball fans should know about you? Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of volleyball?
“The fans should know that I’m super excited about coming to Penn State, and many have already welcomed me here. Some things about me are that I love to paint my nails, am Marvel-obsessed, and I’m a foodie.”
What do you love most about playing volleyball?
“I love the competition of the game. I’m super competitive and love to win. Team camaraderie and just being able to play the sport I love the most.”
What do you recall about competing against Penn State while you were at Purdue? How excited are you to call Rec Hall home now?
“When we played Penn State, it was during COVID, so the only fans there were our families, but I do remember the team entrance to their gym. They came running and roaring through the halls of Rec and all had different handshakes. You really could see how close they were as a team. [I’m] so excited to be able to join in the Rec Hall fun, and experience the gym packed with all the fans.”