Nicole Kessner Taylor joined the Highlanders in winter 2025 and is entering her first season as an assistant coach with the Radford Volleyball program.
Kessner Taylor is an accomplished volleyball coach and former MEAC collegiate standout. She brings a wealth of experience from various levels of the sport, including high school, club, and collegiate coaching, as well as a distinguished playing career.
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Before joining Radford, Kessner Taylor made significant contributions to volleyball in the New River Valley. She served as the head coach at Blacksburg High School for 9 years, leading the team to impressive records, including a 25-5 overall record in the 2019-20 season and a 24-1 record in the 2020-21 season. The program reached multiple regional championships and state quarterfinal runs. Her leadership helped elevate the program's competitiveness within the region. She also was an assistant coach at Bluefield State University for 3 years, where she contributed to the growth and competitiveness of the women's volleyball program.
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In addition to her high school coaching, Kessner Taylor is the Club Director of River Valley Juniors Volleyball, a nonprofit organization based in Radford, Va.. Under her guidance, the club has provided young athletes in the New River Valley with opportunities to develop their skills and compete at higher levels. Nicole has assisted more than 30 athletes of the NRV to play at the next level.Â
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Kessner Taylor's volleyball journey began as a standout setter at Norfolk State University. During her collegiate career, she led the Spartans and ranked seventh in the MEAC with 767 assists (7.3 per set) in the 2009 season. She also contributed 186 digs, 130 kills, 21 aces, and 20 blocks that season. Her exceptional performance earned her a second-team All-MEAC selection, making her NSU's first All-MEAC volleyball player under head coach Jennifer Fry. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Norfolk State athletics, Kessner Taylor was honored as the university's Female Athlete of the Year in 2009. Nicole holds multiple records at Norfolk State currently, and also served as SAAC president for 4 years.Â
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Kessner Taylor is known for her dynamic coaching style and her ability to foster both skill development and personal growth among her players. Her dedication to the sport and her athletes continues to make a positive impact on the Radford University volleyball program.
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She graduated with a Magna Cuma Laude Bachelors of Science in  Biology and Chemistry with multiple minors and has also graduated with a Cuma Laude Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Radford University. Kessner Taylor now resides in the New River Valley with her husband James Taylor and children Caledonia Taylor & Wyatt Taylor
