Meet Jackie Taylor, college volleyball star wearing dad Sean’s jersey number to honor her late father
THE daughter of legendary Washington player Sean Taylor is joining UNC to play college volleyball.
Jackie Taylor is starting her collegiate career and is honoring her late father in the process.
No Washington player has donned the No. 21 since Taylor's passing in 2007.
His number was unofficially retired within the organization, but was made official in 2021.
Now his daughter is breaking the mold for her team in North Carolina.
Jackie wore both No. 1 and No. 21 while at her father's alma mater Gulliver Prep in Miami, where he wore No. 1.
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Now, she is wearing No. 21 for her collegiate career and UNC head coach Mike Shall is thrilled to have her.
"Jackie Taylor is a young person that our team and our fans will love. She is a fantastic athlete who has worked hard in a short amount of time in the sport," he said.
"It became clear to our staff how committed Jackie is to being the best – the best player and the best teammate she can be. Jackie's work ethic and competitiveness are obvious when watching her practice and play.
"Playing the middle blocker position is difficult, and Jackie's ability to learn quickly from her outstanding coaches has been important to her development.
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"Her entire family has been an integral part of her success, and we are excited to officially welcome them all to the Carolina Family."
Jackie was ranked as the No. 3 volleyball prospect in the state of Florida coming out of high school.
She led Gulliver Prep to their first Florida state title in her senior year.
NFL and UNC fans shared how much they loved to see Jackie moving on to college and honoring her dad in the process.
"Beautiful. Dad would be proud!" one fan said.
"Crying profusely," another fan said.
"This is awesome," a third fan said.
"All of us Washington fans will be rooting for you!" a fourth fan said.
"Much love to Jackie. She will be great. It runs in the blood," a fifth fan said.
Sean Taylor spent four years in the NFL and showed himself to be an incredibly promising talent.
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He made two Pro Bowls and one All Pro team during his time in league.
Taylor tragically died while trying to protect his family from home intruders during the 2007 NFL season.
