For Warren senior outside hitter Taylor Coombes, this match was different.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Blue Devils participated in a Pink Out for their nonconference home match against Niles North on Thursday.
“As we stood on the end line waiting for the national anthem, I teared up seeing the gym filled with pink,” Coombes said. “It was heartwarming to see everyone united in support of breast cancer awareness, a cause that means a lot to me and my family.”
Coombes said her aunt Ann Ha died of breast cancer in 2021.
“My aunt was a huge part of our family,” Coombes said. “She was always caring, loving and truly the glue that held us together. She constantly went out of her way to help others, dedicating herself to her children and our family.
“Despite her battle with breast cancer, she always had a smile on her face and was there for a good time to be with friends or family.”
On the volleyball court, Coombes has become the glue for the North Suburban Conference-leading Blue Devils (14-9, 4-0). Her consistently stellar effort and her positive influence on younger players make her indispensable.
“She’s really good at relationships and connecting and helping kids in our program,” Warren coach Yu Chen said. “Being around her, they can learn something about leadership, work ethic and dedication. She really works hard.”
Coombes, a do-it-all player who has 89 kills, 141 digs and 30 aces, is a captain this season. The former cheerleader doesn’t take that role lightly.
“This year I feel like I’ve done a better job of trying to keep the team together,” she said.
Coombes sat out two matches with an ankle injury but returned for the Blue Devils’ key conference win against Mundelein on Tuesday. She had six kills and 13 digs during Warren’s 22-25, 25-13, 25-17 victory against Niles North on Thursday.
“She’s our six-rotation player,” Chen said. “She plays mainly outside for us, passes well and is aggressive when swinging. She serves tough, and she does everything we ask of her. She’s grown through the season and continues to get better at passing and serving and finding ways to score points for our team.”
Coombes said she spent countless hours in gyms watching her older sister Delaney, a 2023 Warren graduate, play volleyball. Coombes learned the importance of team chemistry and good leadership.
“She helped me a lot,” Coombes said. “She showed me all the different sides of the game. Living at home with her, it gave me the inside scoop on the team with the drama and how to work with different personalities and be all on the same team and page no matter what’s happening off the court.”
Coombes has become an uplifting presence for the Blue Devils, according to senior outside hitter Lauren Schilz.
“I feel like Taylor’s really good at staying consistent and also bringing a lot of energy to our team,” Schilz said. “When we’re doing bad, she’s good at keeping her attitude up and making sure we all do our best. Also, in practices and on the court, she’s always giving her best effort. She inspires the whole program to match that.”
Junior setter Madelyn Ide agreed that Coombes motivates her teammates.
“Taylor really brings the team together,” Ide said. “She’s always encouraging and pushing people to do better, like when I’m around her in serve-receive. I always strive to do better. She sets a higher standard for herself and the whole program.”
Coombes, who said she has a 4.0 GPA, has picked up a few things while coaching young cheerleaders twice a week.
“I feel like working with younger kids helped me develop my patience and understanding on how to communicate,” she said. “Tiny kids don’t know how to express their feelings. You have to personalize (things) to their needs. It takes a lot to learn how to get their attention and to focus on tasks.
“Our younger players are always ready to go, so you have to calm them down and focus on the smaller things to improve their game.”
Chen suggested this experience will benefit Coombes in the years to come.
“Her leadership has continued to grow and will beyond here, which will help her in her future,” Chen said.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
