Taylor Pippen

Classroom

Taylor Pippen is currently majoring in accounting at Southern Illinois University and has been named to the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Team for two consecutive years. As a sophomore, she posted a 3.692 cumulative GPA and followed it up with a 3.7 GPA as a junior. Pippen’s exemplary performance in the classroom helped SIU earn AVCA Team Academic recognition for the 10th consecutive year this season.

Character

Pippen is the Salukis’ lone senior this year, continuing her role as a team leader. Though quiet on the court, Pippen’s leadership shines through in her actions. Her work ethic, willingness to assist younger teammates, pose and composure during high-intensity situations define her stand-out character. Pippen demonstrates a “lead-by-example” leadership style while being a part of the team.

Community

In her three years as a Saluki, Pippen has participated in several community service events. Whether it’s calling SIU donors in the Thank-a-thon, participating in a Polar Plunge, or volunteering time at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Fundraiser or the National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Pippen has been a face for Saluki athletics throughout the Southern Illinois Community. In the last three years, Pippen has also volunteered at Carruthers Elementary School while reading to children, helped with the Autism Campaign and volunteered at Kids Night Out, an event sponsored by Saluki Athletics to benefit the Boys and Girls Club.

Competition

Pippen is a two-time first-team MVC All-Conference athlete and holds records both at SIU and in the Missouri Valley Conference. Last year, Pippen ranked 11th nationally with her .410 attack efficiency, leading both the Valley and SIU and topping the charts for highest attack percentage in a single season in SIU Volleyball history. Pippen concluded her junior season ranked 17th in the MVC with 2.57 kills per set and 15th in the MVC for most points last season, with 3.15 per set. She also led SIU and ranked sixth in the MVC for blocks with 99 block assists, eight solo blocks and an average of 0.95 blocks per set. This season, Pippen was selected as a Preseason All-Conference athlete in the MVC.