High Point University Athletics

High Point University volleyball head coach Tom Mendoza has named Taylor Unroe as the program's assistant coach for the 2017 season. Unroe joined the Panthers on the heels of a 23-10 season that saw HPU win the Big South Championship and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
 
"I was really impressed and humbled by the strength of the candidates who applied to be part of our program and that's a very positive sign for the direction of High Point University volleyball," head coach Tom Mendoza said. "From the onset, Taylor stood out as someone who both matched the values of our program and is also able to help us take another step forward."
 
Unroe comes to the Triad after serving as an assistant coach at George Mason University. During her two seasons in Fairfax, Va., she served as the defensive coordinator and passing coach. Under Unroe's tutelage, the Patriots led the Atlantic 10 in digs for the first time since joining the A-10.
 
Likewise, she coached the Patriots to its top finish in blocks since joining the new conference. Meanwhile, Catie Espinosa was ranked in the nation in digs under the watchful eye of the former All-American libero. 
 
"Taylor will be a great mentor for our student-athletes and she has the ability to help them achieve their potential on the court while relating to the challenges they'll face," Mendoza continued. "As a former SEC Libero of the Year, Taylor will work very closely with our passing and defense, but she was also a great outside hitter before switching to libero at Florida. She's already had success improving those areas at George Mason and we feel those can be strengths of our team next fall."

Similarly, Unroe is excited about the prospect of joining a program that is coming off of one of its best seasons ever.

"I want to thank Tom Mendoza for giving me this opportunity to join the High Point family," Unroe said. "His vision for continued success of the program is inspiring and I am looking forward to being a part of that. I knew from the first moment I drove through the front gates that High Point was the place for me. HPU's academics, student support and growth is outstanding."
  
During her career at the University of Florida, Unroe became the program's first SEC Libero of the Year while garnering an All-America Honorable Mention accolade in 2014. She also brings championship-level experience to the program having led the Gators to three SEC Championship and four NCAA Tournament berths.
 
"It won't take long before the High Point Community learns what a special one they have in Taylor Unroe," UF head coach Mary Wise said. "She brings a competitive energy and a love for the game that is contagious."
 
Unroe graduated from UF with a bachelor's degree in Family, Youth and Community Science in 2014. One year later, she earned a master's degree in the same field.
 
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