Meet the Newcomers: Taylor Boice
August 20, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
#11 Taylor Boice
Year:Β Freshman
Height:Β 6-1
Position:Β Middle Blocker
Hometown:Β Redondo Beach, Calif.
High School: Redondo Union HS
Major:Β Undeclared
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Taylor Boice was a four-year letterwinner at Redondo Union High School where she earned All-CIF, All-Bay League, and All-Area honors. She led the Sea Hawks to a top-10 final state ranking as a sophomore and junior. Taylor also won two Open Division national championships with her club team, taking home gold in 2026 (18s) and 2024 (16s).
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When and how did you get started playing volleyball?
I started playing when I was in first grade. I started because my grandma owns a volleyball club and both my parents played, so they got me in the gym and I've been playing ever since.Β
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Did you play any other sports growing up?
I did a bunch of different sports growing up and stuck with swim for a while, but volleyball was the main one.
Β
Did you have a favorite player growing up?
I didn't necessarily have a favorite player. I didn't watch a lot of volleyball growing up because with my family I was surrounded by it already. But recently, I would say one of the middles on the national team, Chiaka (Ogbogu). My club coach was a big fan of hers, so I started watching her a lot and learned a lot from her blocking.
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Why UCI?
It's close to home and my grandma went here. The coaches were so welcoming; they were my first call and the team culture is great. Also, I liked the education level, it really pushes you and education is important to me.
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What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm most looking forward to just playing at the Division I level, getting closer with my teammates, and experiencing game days here.
Β
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
My favorite thing is how close everyone is on the team. We all get along really well and it's been fun to live in the dorms together and get to know everyone.
Year:Β Freshman
Height:Β 6-1
Position:Β Middle Blocker
Hometown:Β Redondo Beach, Calif.
High School: Redondo Union HS
Major:Β Undeclared
Β
Taylor Boice was a four-year letterwinner at Redondo Union High School where she earned All-CIF, All-Bay League, and All-Area honors. She led the Sea Hawks to a top-10 final state ranking as a sophomore and junior. Taylor also won two Open Division national championships with her club team, taking home gold in 2026 (18s) and 2024 (16s).
Β
When and how did you get started playing volleyball?
I started playing when I was in first grade. I started because my grandma owns a volleyball club and both my parents played, so they got me in the gym and I've been playing ever since.Β
Β
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I did a bunch of different sports growing up and stuck with swim for a while, but volleyball was the main one.
Β
Did you have a favorite player growing up?
I didn't necessarily have a favorite player. I didn't watch a lot of volleyball growing up because with my family I was surrounded by it already. But recently, I would say one of the middles on the national team, Chiaka (Ogbogu). My club coach was a big fan of hers, so I started watching her a lot and learned a lot from her blocking.
Β
Why UCI?
It's close to home and my grandma went here. The coaches were so welcoming; they were my first call and the team culture is great. Also, I liked the education level, it really pushes you and education is important to me.
Β
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm most looking forward to just playing at the Division I level, getting closer with my teammates, and experiencing game days here.
Β
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
My favorite thing is how close everyone is on the team. We all get along really well and it's been fun to live in the dorms together and get to know everyone.
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's VolleyballThursday, August 20
Wednesday, August 19
Wednesday, August 19
Tuesday, August 18
