Windsor graduate Taylor Duncan, a former all-state setter on the girl’s volleyball team, has continued her success at the collegiate level.

Last week, the Jefferson College volleyball team pulled off an upset and won their Midwest A District Championship tournament. The 17-16 Vikings will play November 18-21 in the  NJCAA National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

After leaving Windsor, Duncan said that she misses her coaches the most. 

“The thing I miss most about Windsor is Coach (Stephany) Dueker-(Richmond) and Mrs. (Rachel) Montgomery. Whether they know it or not, they both made a huge impact in my life. They were always there for me for everything, even some of the most personal hardships I’ve gone through,” Duncan said.

According to Duncan, her collegiate experience is much different than high school. 

“In my eyes, Windsor and Jeffco are completely different,” Duncan said. “I’ve made some really great friends here at Jeffco, but if I could go back and play for Dueker,  I would 1000%,” Duncan said. 

In high school, Duncan helped lead the Owls to their first ever final four appearance and she was named to the All-State team. She gives credit to Dueker-Richmond for her success.

 “She was and still is the best coach I’ve played for. She believed in me, she called me out when I needed it, but she also let me know when I did well, and she always congratulated me for my accomplishments,” Duncan said. 

Dueker-Richmond said Duncan was one of the most determined players that she has ever coached. 

“Tay never gave up–she could find a way to get to the ball or a way to help us win regardless of the situation we may have been in at certain points,” Dueker-Richmond said.  

As much as Duncan misses Dueker-Richmond, the feeling is mutual. 

“Taylor has tremendous knowledge of the game and a true love of the game that shows whenever she plays. I really miss watching her play,” Dueker-Richmond said. 

While playing for Windsor, Duncan had a very successful four years of starting on varsity. She was able to play every rotation each year. 

“She was a very impactful player. Taylor, ‘Sassy’, was part of our fire yet also part of our consistency,” Dueker-Richmond said. 

Duncan is nearing the end of her playing career. She is enrolled in the nursing program and wants to prioritize graduating.  After graduating, Duncan has plans to be a labor and delivery nurse. 

“We started our Maternal/Child clinical rotation in mid-October and I fell in love with the floor extremely fast. Having the opportunity to watch babies being born is just the best thing ever,” Duncan said.  

Dueker-Richmond has no doubts that Duncan will be successful with life after volleyball. 

“When she gets knocked down, she gets back up and works harder,” Dueker-Richmond said.