Oakland U. volleyball 
is right fit for Humm

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

Taylor Humm wanted more than just volleyball from whatever college she selected to continue her athletic career.

The senior outside hitter from Prairie Ridge wanted to find a program that wanted her as much for her personality her academic accomplishments as for her volleyball acumen.

Humm found that perfect balance and made an oral commitment to Oakland (Mich.)University last week to play volleyball for the Golden Grizzlies next fall.

“I walked on the campus and I knew this was where I belonged,” Humm said. “(Head coach) Rob Beam is all about smartness on the court and your personality off the court and for me, that was huge. He wants his players to have the personality to win, the desire to win, and the ability to be an all-around player.”

By the time Humm returned to Crystal Lake last week, she had visited Columbia (N.Y.) University, the University of Rhode Island and Oakland in a span of two and a half weeks.

One day after coming home and receiving an e-mail from Beam, who said he “would be honored” to be Humm’s coach, she cut Columbia, Rhode Island and Tennessee-Martin – which had offered Humm a scholarship in January – from the mix.

Humm also stands out in shot put and discus and should have an opportunity to throw for Oakland as well, she said. The idea of playing two sports at the Division-I level also was intriguing.

“That just fascinated me,” said Humm, who will receive a near full-ride scholarship for academics and should start receiving athletic scholarship money during her sophomore year.

Humm, a three-year varsity starter for the Wolves, should contribute to the Golden Grizzlies’ team right away. Oakland was 17-10 overall last year and finished tied for fourth in the Summit League.