Coach Nelson on Taylor Porter… Taylor is one of the best pure athletes and competitors on the team. She brought great energy and personality the second she stepped in the gym as a midyear. Her all-around skill set is an asset even as she’s transitions primarily to the back row. We’re excited to see what kind of role she carves for herself in season one as she gets acclimated to the position.
Academic Honors
• 2025 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll
As a Freshman (2025)
• Played in 44 sets as a freshman
• Season-high five digs vs. Illinois
The Porter File
• Enrolled at Vanderbilt early in spring 2025
• Played club volleyball for Houston Skyline
• 2024 AVCA all-region
• Earned five invites to the USA NTDP
• 2024 USAV 17 Open runner-up
• 2024 TCGA all-state and all-star team
• 2021-24 first-team all-district
• 2023 District 16-6A MVP
• 2021 District 16-6A Newcomer of the Year
• First in Cypress Ranch HS history to record more than 1,700 kills, 1,300 digs and 160 aces
• Four-time distinguished honor roll
• All-state academic team
• National English Honor Society
• Coaches youth volleyball at Langham Creek TMCA and Houston Skyline
• Culinary club member
Personal
• Father, Rashad, played basketball at Emory
• Sister, Jordan, plays soccer at Louisiana Tech
Why Vanderbilt?
I chose Vanderbilt, because I wanted to be a part of making history and be the first in building out a new program. I love the coaching staff, and the school is also in the SEC. Vandy offers so many opportunities beyond volleyball that’ll help me in the long run.
Taylor’s Essentials
Favorite Nashville food spot: Sushi 88
Favorite spot on campus: Zeppos
First song on aux: Hotline Bling by Drake