Taylor French after becoming the program's all-time kills leader

ASHTIN ELDER PHOTO

French Chosen for AVCA Demonstrator Scholarship

One of 36 athletes chosen to attend AVCA Convention

11/7/2025 3:30:00 PM

AVCA Release

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Senior standout Taylor French (Romeoville, Ill.-Plainfield East) of the Illinois Wesleyan University women's volleyball team was selected for the American Volleyball Coaches Association Demonstrator Scholarship, announced by the organization Friday, Nov. 7. The scholarship provides French the opportunity to attend the AVCA convention in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 17-21.

"Being selected to represent Illinois Wesleyan University as a demonstrator at the AVCA Volleyball Convention is an incredible honor," French stated. "It is an opportunity not only to showcase my skills and passion for the game, but also to learn from and connect with some of the best coaches and athletes in the sport. I am excited to grow, build relationships, and take another step toward my future in coaching, representing IWU with pride every step of the way."

A sensational career for the Green and White, French will leave as the program's all-time kills, aces, and points leader, and has rewritten the record book. A three-time All-American, French aspires to get into coaching upon graduation.

The AVCA Demonstrator Scholarship sponsors 36 student-athletes to attend its 2025 Convention to serve as demonstrators for on-court educational sessions during the event.

Now in its fifth year, the successful scholarship program has included more than 135 players. In addition to responsibilities during on-court sessions, the players will be able to attend other educational seminars—many of which focus on professional and personal development for coaches—and learn more about the profession by networking with the hundreds of coaches attending the convention. One of the factors in the selection of the demonstrators was their interest in pursuing a coaching career.

The 2025 demonstrators are a diverse group that includes 31 indoor players and five beach players. They come from many levels of collegiate competition, as there are 16 Division I players, 11 Division II players, eight Division III players, and one NAIA player. The demonstrators play for 31 different schools and represent a mix of positions and classes.

Print Friendly Version