First United Bank Girls Athlete of the Week: Taytum Stow, Hereford

Taytum Stow, Hereford, volleyball, Sr.

On the hardwood: The two-time All-State selection has been the heart and soul for a No. 2-ranked Hereford team that is off to a 36-2 overall record this year, and a 4-0 start to district.

Last week in District 4-4A wins against Dumas and Pampa, Stow absolutely dominated totaling 33 kills in the pair of victories with nine blocks, 11 digs, and four aces.

The four-year starter and West Texas A&M commit has tallied over 1,300 kills during her phenomenal career for the Lady Whitefaces with over 400 career blocks.

Coach Carley McCracken: “Taytum is huge part to the team, not just on the court but off it. She leads with action and is always someone we can count on as a leader and a teammate. Anytime she’s in the game she just does such a great job with the young players. She feels some pressure of being our leader, and go-to player, but Taytum handles it all so well. Her leadership and personality has changed so much since she was a freshman.”

Stow: “I think we’ve been playing great this year. This team has a lot of good chemistry to it, and we’re all very close. Falling short of state last year has really motivated us, and we’re all focusing on playing together. I feel this year I’ve really come along as a leader. I’m expected to put the ball down more, but I’m also more vocal than I’ve ever been in four years. It’s hard to imagine being a senior, but I want the young players to really understand the tradition behind Hereford volleyball.”

About Stow

Favorite band or musician: Lil Baby

Favorite social media platform: TikTok

Favorite athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bet you didn’t know: She has a pug named Izzy.

Parents: James and Tessa Stow