.png&width=36&height=36&type=webp)
University of North Carolina Athletics
Taylor Treacy Signs With Professional Team In Finland
January 25, 2017 | Volleyball
KUUSAMO, FINLAND – Just three days after graduating from the University of North Carolina, opposite hitter Taylor Treacy '16 signed a professional contract with Polkky Kuusamo, taking her talents across the ocean to Kuusamo, Finland. The 2015 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention signed a one-year deal on Dec. 21, 2016, and participated in her first professional match on Jan. 8.
“I am so excited for Taylor and so proud of her as she begins her professional career," said head coach Joe Sagula. "Taylor has made this a goal of hers from the day we started recruiting her eight years ago. Her development and growth both as a player and a young adult has impacted all of us and the success of the Carolina program during her career.
"Taylor has meant so much to me and our staff along with all her teammates with her play, competitive spirit and her character on and off the court. We are very proud of her in representing all the Tar Heels overseas. I know she will bring those same qualities to her new team Polkky Kuusmo. She will be a leader, a dynamic big time-player, and continue to achieve success as a professional player. ”
Over five seasons at North Carolina, Treacy grew into an explosive pin hitter and lights-out blocker. The 6-foot-2 native of Columbia, South Carolina, played in 110 career matches, totaling 674 kills, 300 blocks and 147 digs, hitting .249. A two-time AVCA All-East Coast Region selection, she finished her career ranked 10th all time at UNC with 287 block assists.
“Carolina is the reason that I am here and it is the reason why I am having an enjoyable experience,” said Treacy. “My coaching staff has done an unbelievable job at making me more knowledgeable about the game so that I can coach myself. Having a competitive mentality is something we have always fostered at Carolina and it has proven to be nothing but beneficial for me so far in my professional career.
“Our emphasis on leadership and team dynamics have helped me establish a good start in my relationships with the coaches and my teammates – something that Carolina taught me to make a priority. My academic experience has been invaluable to me since my arrival. I feel confident and self-sufficient, despite moving across seven time zones by myself.”
Treacy joined the Polkky Kuusamo squad midseason, as the competition slate runs from October through mid-April. Kuusamo is currently ranked third in the Mestaruusliiga league, the team's highest ranking ever. The winner of the Finnish league advances to play in the Euro Cup, a goal Treacy is determined to make a reality.
Treacy's teammates range in age from 18 to 36 and she is fortunate that they all speak English. She is one of four Americans on the 12-player roster, which also includes an athlete from the Ukraine.
“I have always heard from older professional volleyball players that the European league is cutthroat,” said Treacy. “The biggest difference between collegiate volleyball and professional volleyball is that the coaches, players and team owners treat the game for what it is at that level – a business. While this is true, I have to say that I lucked out with my coaches and my teammates. Our coach, Tuumpi, has been incredibly supportive and invests in my improvement each day. Not only is the coach supportive, but the team manager who recruits and negotiates contracts between the club owners and the athletes is a wonderful guy. He and his wife, Oula, have been very helpful in getting me situated here in Finland and have invited me to their home each Sunday for a traditional Finnish meal.”
After four-and-a-half years in the vigorous lifestyle of a Division I student-athlete, Treacy is enjoying some much-deserved down time outside of her professional training schedule. However, that newfound freedom also comes with its own challenges.
“The best part about being a professional athlete is the amount of free time I have,” said Treacy. “Since arriving in Finland, I have had a ton of time to pick back up some of my creative hobbies. This was hard to do in college with mandatory classes, meetings, and team functions that I was required to attend each day.
“The most challenging part about being a professional athlete is holding yourself accountable in the weight room, on the court, and in the kitchen. I can easily say that the person I miss the most in America is our strength and conditioning coach. Our team has weekly lifts, but I miss the challenge and strength that I felt while training in the Loudermilk weight room.”
Treacy finds support across the sea from her Carolina family, who have kept her motivated and connected to home.
“I was talking to a former teammate the other day about how Eve Rackham's voice is constantly in my head whenever I am at practice or training,” said Treacy. “I always knew that she was the biggest 'pusher' on our coaching staff, but I never imagined how great of an impact it would make on my practice and training mentality when I got to the professional level.
“Most importantly, I never feel alone. I talk to teammates, coaches, and friends that I have built relationships with at Carolina every day. Chapel Hill is certainly my home and I cannot deny that I miss everything about it.”
