BYU Volleyball: Taylor Sander to play professional volleyball in Italy

Since Taylor Sander stepped on the court at the Smith Fieldhouse for the first time four years ago, people said that he was something special.  Many have even gone as far as to say he could be the greatest volleyball player in BYU history, which may be true.  Tuesday he took another step into greatness, signing a contract with Blu Volley Verona, an Italian Serie A1 team (the top level).  Sander already has his own Italian wikipedia page.

Since losing in the national quarterfinals to Stanford, Taylor Sander has been touring Europe with the BYU team, as well as playing some games in the 2014 FIVB World League with team USA (and going 4-0 so far).  Here's a highlight video of the USA vs Bulgaria games (Taylor is wearing #3).

His pro career will start sometime after the conclusion of the World League.  The Italian league starts in October and plays through April.  Blu Volley Verona (from what I can divine from their Italian wiki page) is a fast growing team that was only promoted to Serie A in 2008, but has reached the quarter finals twice since then.  Perhaps the addition of Sander is what they need push the team to the next level.  Verona seems very welcoming and excited to have Sander on their team.

If any of our readers also are fluent in Italian, please comment and let us in on any details you read in the linked pages.  We're excited for Taylor and wish him the best in his continuing volleyball career.