Sophomore Taylor Meyer says teammate Katrina Newman (senior forward) is the toughest player she's gone against in her Bulldog career, but in just a year and a half with UMD, Meyer has become a strong force in the NSIC herself.

"Taylor has really matured into an experienced player [already] due to injuries of older players," said head coach Annette Wiles of her second-year forward. "She has been such a strength to our inside play offensively and defensively. Her scoring and rebounding, as a starter or spark-plug off the bench, helps our team."

The Farmington, Minn. native is far-surpassing her season scoring average from last season with 10.5 points per game, compared to 4.1 in 2012-13. She began playing basketball in the fifth grade and gives a lot of credit to those around her for supporting her career. "My family and friends have always been supportive," Meyer said. "Every coach that I've had leading up to where I am today has had an impact on me one way or the other." Meyer says the best part of playing collegiate athletics is the competition. "I am a very competitive person and every team at the college level is good. There is always going to be a dogfight in every game and anyone can beat anyone [else] at any time," Meyer said. In that regard, her favorite moment of playing at UMD was when teammate Alyssa Kerkhoff nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer against Michigan Tech last season at Romano Gym.

The Biology major cites Biology II as her favorite collegiate course, and chose UMD for academics as well as the basketball. "I liked the city and I knew the basketball program was a good fit for me," Meyer said. "I could tell the coaches cared about you on a more personal level, not just with basketball." Fans may be surprised to know that this Bulldog "used to be in orchestra where I played the violin." If she hadn't played basketball, she thinks volleyball would be a good fit for her skill set. While she plans to attend veterinary school and eventually enter the military to be a vet for military animals, she still has a few years left in her career as a Bulldog.

"Taylor is a strong all-around player and accepts her role to help her team be successful," said Coach Wiles. Meyer's role with the team is ever-expanding, and in just her second season, she will continue to grow as one of the Bulldogs' top offensive threats and defensive stalwarts.

Favorite...
• Pro Athlete: Kevin Love
• Professional Team: Boston Celtics
• TV Show: The Incredible Dr. Pol
• Band/Artist: Carrie Underwood
• Author: Stephanie Meyer
• Actor: Ryan Reynolds
• Actress: Jennifer Aniston
• Movie: The Blind Side
• Food: tacos
• Restaurant: Olive Garden
• Vacation Spot: Sorrento, Italy
• Opponent: Wayne State
• Opponent's Arena: MSU Dome
• Game: Yahtzee
• Website: Facebook

Person you'd like to meet: Ellen Degeneres

Biggest basketball strength: "versatility"

Biggest basketball weakness: "Inconsistency with rebounding and offensive output"

If I could change one thing? "I wish I had more patience."

Prized possession: "Cross necklace I got from Vatican City"

Can't leave home without: cellphone

Biggest fear: bugs

Pet peeve: loud gum chewers

First job: scorekeeper for summer basketball games

Game Day Ritual: "Go to shoot-around in the morning, get a good meal, and relax until its gametime."

Advice to Young Athletes: "Dream big and don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Only you can decide your future."