The small mountain of volleyball statistics Taylor Burkett is responsible for at Indian Creek has been built under the direction of four different head coaches.
Despite being part of the sport’s version of musical chairs, Burkett, a senior middle hitter poised to own numerous program records once she graduates, is a productive constant in all of the change.
Standing 5-foot-9, Burkett has picked up where she left off last season, leading the Braves in a variety of categories.
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It’s a lot of work Burkett almost makes look effortless. Her 30-inch vertical leap and powerful spikes have become an integral part of the Braves’ successes the past few seasons.
“Taylor just has a natural ability. Watching her, it’s just awesome. What she does she does it with ease,” first-year coach Andi Ferris said. “I think Taylor’s an all-around player. She’s a good passer and can hit from anywhere on the floor. But I’m not sure she believes that.
“Our team, we need her to be that all-around player, and she has been.”
Burkett started playing volleyball at 12, in time leaving other athletic interests such as soccer, basketball and softball behind. For the past couple years she’s played volleyball year-round, including for Team Indiana on the club circuit.
Despite the constant changes at the top, Indian Creek became relevant during the 2017 season, riding the enthusiasm of first-year coach Jeff Fishburn to a program-record 25 victories. Burkett was named to the Daily Journal’s All-County team. She was honored as a member of the All-Western Indiana Conference squad.
Unfortunately, like the majority of his predecessors, Fishburn coached the Braves for one season.
“My freshman and sophomore years were kind of going through the motions. Last year was the big jump. He saw the abilities I had,” Burkett said. “(Four coaches) is very different. It’s a lot of adjusting between every coach and hard knowing what each coach wants from you.”
Indian Creek’s leader with 155 kills this season, Burkett has been especially effective of late, averaging 19 in the past four matches. She had 23 against Southport and 18 in a five-set marathon loss at home to Whiteland.
The potential to play college volleyball remains.
Cedarville (Ohio), a Division II program, as well as Kentucky Christian, a member of the NAIA, are programs currently interested in Burkett. Burkett’s mother Angie, who introduced Taylor to volleyball, is a former Kentucky Christian player.
“I probably encouraged her to play volleyball because it’s a sport I played,” said Angie, who at just 5 feet was utilized as a setter and defensive specialist in college. “Taylor’s always been kind of tall for her age and always been athletic.
“She has a kind of raw ability. While she’s in the air, she has hang time and then spikes the ball.”
Burkett is one of five seniors on the Braves roster, along with setter Malea Brownfield, defensive specialist Bailey Woods and outside hitters Hannah Maddox and Morgan Frash. All but Frash, a transfer this year from Lawrence Central, grew up together.
“I really want to have a good senior year,” Burkett said. “I want to win, obviously, but I want to have fun with my friends, too.”
Burkett’s goal is to do as much of both as possible.
