December 2, 2011

Head coach Ethan Abruzzo wishes players like Taylor Hudgins came around more often. The eighth-year Buckingham volleyball coach cited countless traits and a positive attitude as reasons for nominating his senior star for Student-Athlete of the Week.

"She's at practice everyday working hard," said Abruzzo. "Great leadership, fantastic student, wiling to take criticism, willing to criticize herself, willing to get better as a player, wanting to be here."

The Buckingham senior and James River District all-star served as a second year captain for the 2011 girls' volleyball team helping the Knights stay positive amidst a two-win season.

"That's just the one thing I love about volleyball, we're a family first and that's just what it's about. You just try to keep things upbeat and friendly and as easygoing as you can."

In addition to her role as a leader, motivator, and outside hitter for the Knights, Taylor excels academically as one of the top five students in her class. She's also dually enrolled as a college student.

"I go to Governor's School," said Taylor of her split academic life. "We go to community college for half the day and there we take all these college classes that we need and we graduate with our associates degree. So I'll graduate high school with my high school diploma and associates degree."

Taylor has already made the decision to continue her college education at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C. where she's earned a 14 thousand dollar scholarship, renewable each year.

"I think it's in all aspects of her life," added Abruzzo, who's a technology teacher at Buckingham. "I think in whatever she's gonna do she'll be successful at it because she has that competitive and drive that you like to see in everybody. I wish I had 12 Taylors."