For Stillwater High School senior Taylor Rattay, volleyball is about more than just competing, it’s about the people she shares the court with. A dedicated libero for the Lady Pioneers, Rattay says her biggest motivation is simple: playing for her teammates and coaches.
“I think the thing that motivates me the most is playing for my teammates and coaches,” Rattay said. “I want to give everything I have because they give so much to me.”
Her journey in sports has been shaped by the support of her parents, who she calls her biggest role models. “They’ve done so much for me and helped me through everything,” she shared. But inside the gym, it’s Coach Andrue Brown who has had the most direct influence. “He always believes in me and encourages me to be the best I can be. That has made a huge impact on my life.”
Rattay has learned that success in athletics doesn’t come without sacrifice. “To be successful in sports, you have to work super hard and give your all,” she said. “You also need to have a positive mindset through it all.”
Among her favorite memories are the relationships she has built along the way. “My highlight moment of my career was definitely making friends with the most amazing people who have had such a big impact on my life,” Rattay said. On the court, one win stands out above the rest when Stillwater knocked off the No. 1-ranked team. “No one thought we could do it. We were the underdogs, and it was such a great feeling proving people wrong.”
Practices have their own special energy, especially when she’s lined up against her sister, Sloane. “All siblings have that little bit of competitiveness, and it makes us both better,” she said with a laugh.
Rattay also makes time to lead off the court. She’s involved in SMAC, Wagon Crew, and serves on the executive team for Beta Club. Balancing it all comes down to staying disciplined. “It’s not that hard if you don’t procrastinate and just do your work,” she explained.
As she represents Stillwater, Rattay takes pride in more than just her performance. “It means a lot because I like to be a positive figure to everyone who is watching.”
