By: Jon Cole, Director of Athletic Communications & Marketing

There was once a sports legend, later proven false, that golfer Tiger Woods once had a list of Jack Nicklaus' 18 major golf tournaments taped to his bedroom wall that was used to inspire his future life and career goals.

That legend was debunked in a December 3, 2015 issue of USA Today, where Wood's set the record straight by saying "O.K., here's the major misconception that people have all gotten wrong. It's what was posted on my wall, about Jack's records. It was not the majors, O.K.. There was one on there. It was the first time he broke 40, the first time he broke 80, the first golf tournament he ever won, first time he ever won the state amateur, first time he won the U.S. Amateur, and the first time he won the U.S. Open. That was it. That was the list. It was all age-related. To me, that was important. This guy's the best out there and the best of all time. If I can beat each age that he did it, then I have a chance at being the best."

When it comes to Salem volleyball, any incoming first year player who joins the program can quickly print out a list of career records at www.salemspirits.com and quickly begin focusing their attention on one individual—Taylor Moulton. After all, Moulton ranks in the Top-15 of 12 major statistical categories for the Spirits. The only two of those 14 total categories that Moulton's name is absent are service aces and assists/set.

"Throughout my volleyball career, there were players that I looked up to and strived to be like," said Moulton, who now serves as Director of Volleyball Operations at Florida State. "I put in countless hours at the gym and on the court to be able to compete with these athletes. This drive helped shape me into the player I am today. It is a really cool feeling to know that someone out there might be inspired to improve their game because of me."

Moulton, who donned the blue and yellow of the Spirits from 2016 through 2019, left her imprint on the record books in dramatic fashion. She ranks atop the career leaders in kills (1106), total attacks (3572), and digs (1369), while also holding the mark for attack futilities with 533. In 2019, she departed with the program's third-best kills/set average (2.65), placed herself fourth in assisted blocks (125) and is currently fifth in digs/set (3.28).

"While it may come as a surprise, the record I am proudest of is my defensive one," Moulton described. "There was a point in time where I was weak defensively. I was even told I would never see the back row. After my shoulder problems started, I really began to focus on my passing and making myself better defensively. I found a new love for defense and began to enjoy the feeling of making a great dig just as much as a big kill. Earning the record for most digs is a reflection of my love of the game and reminds me that with passion and dedication, anything is possible."

Moulton used her 5-foot, 10-inch frame to her advantage throughout her career, ranking as the sixth-best blocker in total blocks (142) in program history. She also managed to tie Latricia Maye for ninth all-time in solo blocks (17), stands 11th in both career hitting percentage (.160) and assists (120) and had a career blocks/set average of 0.34, tying her for 13th alongside former teammate Madelyn Chappell. Moulton's career concluded with her being named to the USA South Second Team East Division three times (2017, 2018, 2019) and a spot on the USA South Second Team West Division in 2016.

"As I'm sure any of my teammates will tell you, I am extremely competitive," added Moulton. "I not only want to win, but I want my performance to be one that I am proud of. I am very hard on myself so meeting the standard I set can be difficult. The games that I do play my best are euphoric. There is nothing quite like the feeling of leaving it all on the court and knowing that your hard work has paid off."

IT ALL BEGAN IN 2008 …

The history of the Salem volleyball program began on August 30, 2008 when the Spirits began play in the NCAA Division III ranks against Huntingdon at the Cougar Classic in Danville, Virginia hosted by Averett. Salem suffered a trio of 3-0 losses before emerging with the first set victory in program history the following afternoon in the final match of the tournament against the host Cougars. Trailing 2-0 in the match, Salem earned a 25-20 victory in the third set before falling 3-1.

The first team victory came on September 6th as the Spirits overcame an opening set loss to down Spelman by scores of 23-25, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-17 in Varsity Gym. Salem would have three three-match winning streaks during the slate, as it finished 13-19 overall under head coach Amanda Ziemba.

Ziemba's first season at the helm resulted in Salem winning nine home matches and her career concluded with 36 all-time wins, which ranks her second all-time among coaches in program history. The best offensive team under her direction came in 2010, where Salem averaged 9.67 kills/set along with a .141 hitting percentage. Defensively, the Spirits managed 14.06 digs/set and 1.50 blocks/set in 2010, making 151.5 total blocks along the way. She is one of three coaches in Salem history to win double-digit matches in Salem history.

WALL BECOMES SALEM'S SECOND COACH IN PROGRAM HISTORY

Dana Wall became the second coach in Salem volleyball history prior to the start of the 2012 season. She would spend three seasons in that role, earning 35 wins along the way. Wall's 2012 unit established the then program record for most wins in a single season (14) and wins in conference play (seven), which was the Great South Athletic Conference. That team also reached the 2021 NCAA Tournament Regionals in Newport News, the first postseason appearance by the Spirits' volleyball program, before falling to Emory in three sets.

One of the keys to the 2012 team was service aces, which resulted in 237 as a unit, and included a team-best 46 from Brittany Miller. Joining Miller with at least 30 services aces on the season were Chelsea Jones (37), Nicole Tecl (35) and Roslyn Nixon (33). Michelle Morgan finished just outside of the 30-service ace mark with 29.

Two years later, Wall closed out her coaching career with 12 wins in her final season at the helm. Her 2014 squad became the first in Salem history to average double-digit kills/set (10.12), posted a .144 hitting percentage, tallied 191 service aces, and posted the then-program record for digs (1572) and digs/set (17.47) while converting 124 blocks and 136 assisted blocks, averaging 1.38 blocks/set. Her career ended with a second appearance at the 2014 NCAA Tournament, again in Newport News, where the Spirits faced Eastern on November 14th.

TROUP SETS BENCHMARK AT SALEM FOR SINGLE-SEASON WINS

The third coach in program history, Kevin Troup, got off to a difficult start in his first season at the helm. Troup's Spirits managed just four wins in the 2015 season, but he quickly turned that around in 2016 by winning 13 matches and making their debut in the USA South Conference. Salem earned its first USA South win over Mary Baldwin (25-16, 25-18, 25-15) on September 30th, the first of four league wins that season.

In 2017, Troup had the Salem volleyball team rolling with a program-record 21 wins, setting the program mark that still stands for home wins (10) and road victories (six). The team enjoyed a pair of five-match winning streaks that season, earning 12 3-set victories along the way.

"I was fortunate to have some incredible players who were determined to leave their mark on the program," said Troup. "With them it was more about the overall team success versus their own accolades. Several of those young ladies would arrive early, leave late and even schedule extra time in the gym to work on aspects of their game. At the same time, they were good teammates and pushed each other to be better."

Furthermore, Troup joined Ziemba as the only coaches to post consecutive double-digit win seasons in Salem volleyball history. Troup dominated the competition in 2016 and 2017, winning 22 3-set matches, eight four-set affairs and tying Ziemba for most five-set wins (four) in a single season in 2017. Ziemba established the mark in 2008.

"Honestly, we went into the season with several team goals," described Troup. "First, to make the conference tournament and go further. We went in as a four seed but unfortunately one of our outsides rolled her ankle and we lost in the first round. Second, was to be above .500 which had never been done in school history. Lastly, the coaches had a separate goal of winning 20+ matches.

"We knew we had the talent to do it and the young ladies had the desire to make history," continued Troup. "They all bought in. We battled all season and never quit on each other. The win streaks were a direct result of how hard they worked. I wish I had some magic formula for success. Honestly as I tell people to this day, I have been fortunate to have coached some amazing athletes."

Troup's impact on the Salem volleyball program extended beyond the win-loss column. It came in the players that he had a hand in recruiting and developing on the court. Along with the aforementioned names of Moulton and Chappell, he was able to work with Kylie Taffer, Kathryn O'Connell, Bernisha Master and Hannah Delcamp.

"These young ladies definitely left their mark on the program," said Troup. "Each brought something different to the table."

Troup's Analysis of Significant Salem Players During Tenure

• Bernisha Master was the first left handed middle blocker I coached. She is one of the toughest young ladies I have ever met. She was a phenomenal blocker and played most of her last season with an injured thumb. But she wouldn't come off the court. She wanted to be out their helping the team succeed. My first season, she had a night class, so came in a morning each week to get reps with our setter.
• Kylie Taffer is one of the most passionate players for the game I have ever met. She lived and breathed volleyball. But she was also one of the quietest players I have been around. Kylie would come to my office throughout the week and just hang out in my office to talk volleyball. We would watch film together and talk about her game and ways to score. She and I have a beach background, so giving her the confidence to make those "beach" shots in the indoor game really opened up offense. She was good defensively in the backrow but we saw that her offensive game struggle when we had her play 6 rotations. So we had her serve and then had someone sub in for her. On the sideline it gave her an opportunity to see the court, see the holes in the defensive and adjust her game. Plus, she then could just focus on her offensive output.
• Madelyn Chappell was a diamond in the rough. I had watched film on her and thought she could help us out. Little did I know how much! She is a phenomenal young lady both on and off the court. Her work ethic is incredible. She spent countless hours in the gym getting reps and the fitness center working out. She was a sponge and if you asked her to do something, she usually did it on the next play. We scouted an opponent and realized they rarely blocked the right side hitter. So we focused our offense around getting Maddie swings. I think she had double digit kills and no hitting errors.
• Hannah Delcamp was a good setter in high school and my assistant at the time, Katherine Knarr (Green) was a former collegiate setter and worked countless hours on her technique. She had a solid foundation but needed a little fine tuning. In practice we talked a lot about her decision making and seeing the other side of the court. She is a hustler and a very humble player. Her fun loving, zany personality allowed her to keep from getting frustrated.
• Kathryn O'Connell is an absolute work horse. We recruited her knowing she was a solid player, but when she arrived on campus, she was determined to be the best on the court. She had one speed and that was all out all the time. It is reflected in her statistics. She is a phenomenal blocker and extremely quick kid. She is a bit undersized and I think played with a chip on her shoulder. She was extremely coachable! As a blocker her mindset was to block everything that came close to her. As an attacker, she focused on beating the opposing block either to their left or right. She saw the court really well.
• I coached Moulton in club volleyball for three seasons. She is an extremely talented young lady and actually surprised me with her commitment to Salem. She wasn't someone I recruited a ton, because she was so familiar with me as her club coach. She knew we really wanted her. She was a star in high school and solid in club but needed to adjust her game at the college level. She refined her off speed shots and fine-tuned the placement of her big swing. She saw the court extremely well and became that player you went to for a big point. I knew Taylor would break records in her career at Salem. She had a phenomenal career.
• Another player with an impact was Maggie Hawks. Had she continued her career at Salem, she no doubt would have been the all-time dig Leader for Salem College. She had a nose for the ball and would do everything in her power to keep it from hitting the floor. She was an integral part of that 21-12 season. Defensively, she made plays to keep us in matches and without her spearheading our defense, we don't have that type of success. She won USA South Rookie of the Year in 2017 and was three-time Defensive Player of the Week. Unfortunately, her shoulder injury inhibited her from finishing out her career.

"Clearly these young ladies made their mark on the program but they had a great supporting cast of players who also made a great impact on the program and helped these young ladies accomplish the records they were able to," Troup said.

At the conclusion on Troup's three-year run at Salem, he tied Ziemba's mark for most wins in program history (38). He earned 17 wins at Varsity Gym (second-most) and came through with 11 road wins (program record) and is the only coach with double-digit home wins (10) in a single season (2017). He currently serves as the head coach at USA South Conference rival Greensboro College.

SALEM VOLLEYBALL FUTURE

Cathryn Head was named as head coach of Salem on June 29, 2018, spending one year at the helm of the Spirits. In that season she finished with 12 wins, becoming the first coach in program history to reach the double-digit win mark in league play, posting a 10-6 record. Her 2018 squad earned nine three-set wins along the way.

The following season, in 2019, Bouaketh Chanthavisouk was named as the Spirits' head coach. Chanthavisouk served in that capacity for two seasons, and was 14-14 overall and 10-6 in USA South Conference play. Her 2019 squad was 5-2 at Varsity Gym, capturing six victories in three-set matches and eight in four-set affairs. In 2020, the Salem volleyball team was unable to take the court due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RYMER ERA BEGINS AT SALEM

Chanthavisouk departed Salem volleyball for an assistant coaching role at Seattle University, and she was replaced by Barry Rymer. Salem marked Rymer's second coaching stint at the collegiate level, after serving as an assistant coach at Catawba on two occasions under Ginger Hamric. He coached at Catawba from 1999-2003 and later from 2006-2009, helping the Indians capture 189 wins along the way to a pair of South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Championships in 2000 and 2002.

With Rymer's assistance, Catawba also won the 2001 SAC Tournament crown and appeared in the NCAA Tournament Regionals on three occasions (2001, 2008, 2009) and a Sweet 16 appearance in 2008. Catawba had 12 SAC First Team honorees, nine SAC Second Team players and three All-Freshmen Team members during Rymer's time. In 2008 he worked with the SAC Player of the Year (Melissa Powers) and followed that up by tutoring the 2009 SAC Freshman of the Year (Kaitlyn Whitmer).

Rymer also spent seven years at South Rowan High School where he served as the varsity assistant and jayvee head coach and head coach of the beach volleyball program. He closed out his career at South Rowan with 93 wins and five straight appearances in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Playoffs from 2015 to 2019.

The first-year coach describes his recruiting philosophy by saying that "for athletes interested in Salem, just know I am looking for quality student-athletes who are wanting their opportunity to make their impact on a program. I like players who want to win with my philosophy of playing smart and limiting errors."

With just 10 players on the roster during the course of the 2021 campaign, including three seniors (Jessica Cruz, Brianna Cherry and Brooklyn Snow), Rymer headed into the season knowing that the program was facing a rebuilding period. His unit battled throughout the course of season, taking four matches to five sets, and prevailed with a season-ending win against Mary Baldwin (22-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23, 15-11).

Snow was one of two Salem hitters in double figure kills in the match, finishing with 10, while teammate Valeria Rosa Lopez posted a team-high 19. Both were efficient throughout versus Mary Baldwin with Lopez posting a .277 attack percentage and Snow posting a .207 attack percentage. Brianna Moore (25 assists) and Dania Shoaf (17 assists) were the catalyst to an offense that finished with 52 kills and a .195 attack percentage.

Lopez was also active on defense with 14 digs, resulting in her 13th double-double of the slate. Meanwhile the trio of Snow, Shoaf and Macy Nelson had nine digs apiece. Lake Edwards and Brianna Cherry had two assisted blocks each for the Spirits, who finished 1-23 on the season and 1-17 in USA South Conference action.

During the 2021-22 offseason, Rymer has focused his attention on recruiting the next Salem volleyball class to replicate the success of his predecessors—Ziemba, Wall and Troup.

"As far as recruiting, I want competitive, hard-working players," said Rymer. "We need people who have a passion for their education and the sport of volleyball. The middle position is something I'm looking to strengthen this coming season. I also want to work on implementing an offensive lineup, not only through our hitters, but setters as well. Having a setter who can efficiently run an offense can be the difference between winning and losing games. I also want players who are mentally tough, because this is a tough conference. We play some competitive teams, so it's important to have players that are willing to take on the good teams and make their mark on the program.

"Because I've lived in the Charlotte area and coached here my whole career, I have learned a lot about the different schools and clubs in the area," Rymer continued. "I've already recruited a few players for the 2022 season from the Charlotte area, and even more from other regions of North Carolina. Living in the area has certainly provided me with an advantage for recruiting local players, but I've also enjoyed recruiting people from all across the nation.

"When Kevin Troup was coaching here, he started in a similar position to me, coming into a situation that wasn't ideal," described Rymer. "But Kevin was able to revamp the program after a few years of dedication, and that's my goal too. I'd love to turn this program around and be a competitive force in our conference. It will take consistency, good recruiting, and dedicated players, but I know that since I am willing to stay at Salem, it can be done."

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEW EXCERPTS

Name (including maiden name): Taylor Moulton
Sport(s) played: Volleyball
Year of Graduation: 2020
Degree(s) Earned: Criminal Studies, Sociology, Minor in Business Administration

How has your degree from Salem helped you to achieve success in the business world? My degree as well as my athletic career has helped me to obtain my current position as the Director of Volleyball Operations at Florida State University. I have made so many great connections in the athletics world as well as been able to travel to several new places. Being able to apply what I learned as well as the critical thinking skills I developed at Salem has helped me take on this huge role.

What moment did you share/experience with a teammate(s) at Salem that bonded the team forever that season? There are so many memories that I hold dear to my heart. Bus ride karaoke, sweeping our rival in season, and movie nights with the team. However, the moments that have truly bonded me to my teammates forever have been watching who they are becoming. I have watched some of them graduate, cheered them on as they attend grad school and start their careers, witnessed them fall in love, facetimed with them after they got engaged, danced with them at their wedding, watched them become an amazing mother, and taken on my favorite title of "Auntie Tay Tay". They are such amazing women and I am so thankful for the time we have spent together on and off the court.

What advice did you receive while playing at Salem that you apply to the course of your everyday life? Some of the best advice that I received while playing at Salem was to enjoy every moment like it was my last. After my freshman season, I had shoulder surgery and was told I would never play again. After 7 months of rehab, I was cleared just before my sophomore season started. For a while, I was scared each swing could be my last. This made me appreciate my time on the court more and work harder in other aspects of the game, making me a better all-around player.