Arkansas volleyball star transferring to Florida State

Arkansas outside hitter Taylor Head reacts to a play during a match against Florida on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in Fayetteville.

University of Arkansas outside hitter Taylor Head will play her final year of eligibility for Florida State, former Razorback Coach and current Seminoles Coach Chris Poole confirmed Saturday.

“Already first thing I told Taylor was that we have something in common,” Poole said in a text message. “We both love the Hogs. She is a good player. Not as big as [other players on] our team, but she will make all our big kids better with her leadership and experience.”

The 5-10 Head was named third-team American Volleyball Coaches’ Association All-American and was a key piece in one of the best seasons in program history. 

Arkansas advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament before losing to Nebraska on its home floor. The Razorbacks (28-6) finished eighth in the final AVCA coaches’ poll.

She was second on the team in kills (494) and digs (406). Head finished the season with a spot in the program’s top five in career kills at 1,537, and is just shy of the program career top five in digs with 1,272, good for sixth place. 

She led the team with 22 double-doubles, the most for any Razorback since 1999. She had 60 in her career, which ranks second in program history.

She also earned All-Southeastern Conference honors and All-South Region for the third time this season.

Poole said he has followed Head since eighth grade, had a scholarship open late and made the offer.