Sarah Taub competed as a member of the Emory volleyball program from 2010 through 2013. Over her four years, the Eagles compiled an overall record of 139-21 and advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Championships on two occasions, finishing runner-up in 2010. A team captain as a senior, she made her mark as a skilled defensive performer, finishing in the No. 8 spot on the school's career chart with 1,070 digs and registering 44 matches with 10 or more digs. She graduated in 2014 as a biology major.
Q: Occupation and where you living?
ST: I’m living in Atlanta, GA and working for Emory’s Department of Orthopedic surgery - division of upper extremity as a physician assistant.
Q: Can you give an update on some of your experiences post-Emory to where you are now?
ST: Since graduating from Emory, I spent a year living in Atlanta obtaining clinical experience for PA school. I then attended Tufts Physician Assistant program in Boston for two years. After graduation I returned to Atlanta for a position at a private orthopedic surgery group, OrthoAtlanta. Then recently started working at Emory!
Q: What were the primary factors in you choosing Emory as your college?
ST: At Emory, I knew I could pursue excellence in both academics and volleyball. I have always been competitive and knew that after college sports, medicine would be my new passion.
Q: Who were some of people who influenced you during your time at Emory?
ST: The most influential person during my Emory experience was Jenny McDowell, our head coach. Jenny is the reason for my amazing Emory experience, she provided me with guidance, structure, and incredible teammates who became sisters. Another shout to professor Kathleen Campbell who is a huge supporter of Emory athletics! It was special to have a profess who cared for both facets of my life at Emory.
Q: What are some highlights that you remember while playing volleyball at Emory?
ST: One of my greatest Emory memories is my freshman year beating Wash U in the national championship semifinals on their home court. They had a ton of fans and we had a small group of dedicated parents supporting us.
Q: Your Emory teams won 139 matches, advanced to the semis of the NCAA Championships twice and won two UAA titles -- what do you attribute that success to?
ST: I would say the success of the Emory volleyball team stems from the commitment of the players. My teammates are some of the strongest, smartest and most competitive women I know. There was never a question of how someone was going to show up to a practice or games, everyone always gave a 100%. This level of trust, knowing that someone is doing the best they can for a team effort, is what bonded us both on and off the court. Emory volleyball truly is a family and you play that much better when you’re supported by such amazing teammates.
Q: Do you still play volleyball in any leagues or recreationally?
ST: I do not still play volleyball, other than very casual at a picnic. I find it hard to tone down my competitive volleyball spirit enough that people would enjoy having me on their recreational team.
Q: How you are surviving the pandemic and how has it affected you?
ST: My big savior during all this craziness is my biweekly happy hour zoom group which consists of 7 Emory volleyball alumni! We started the group in March and have maintained our biweekly meetings ever since. We take turns planning the agendas for the meetings which include games, “hot topics” and a book club. It’s been a blessing to have close friends stay connected even when we can’t physically visit each other.
Q: Any interests/hobbies you do to relax when away from work?
ST: Staying active helps me unwind from work. Since undergrad I’ve been into yoga, orange theory, running and hiking.
Q: Any former teammates that you are in contact with?
ST: Too many to list, 6 who I zoom with twice a week, one I was roommates with just last year and so many more I text with.
Q: Are you able to keep up with Emory volleyball?
ST: Yes! Whether that’s watching on my computer at work or in person when I can make games, I keep up! I’m also part of our new Mentoring program where alumni are paired with current players to help provide guidance with volleyball, school, and life after college.
Q: Is there anything that you take from being a student-athlete into your profession?
ST: There are so many things I have taken from my student-athlete experience into my professional life. Beside hard academic knowledge I can attribute most of my professional interaction knowledge to athletics. Being on a team puts you in real life situations of facing conflict, accepting failure and reflecting on your performance for improvements. While working in medicine you are constantly interacting with lots of people, which can sometimes be trying, I like to think of one of our team sayings “Fake it till you make it”, which helps me remember to put on a happy face and it quickly transforms your attitude.
Q: Any advice you would give Emory students/future grads?
ST: Emory has prepared you better than you know. Go into your future endeavors with the same confidence you have on the court.
Q: Any other items you would want to add?
ST: I just got a rescue dog, a black terrier mix. She is three years old and learning to get use to her new home.
Sarah Taub lives in Atlanta and works at Emory's Department of Orthopedic surgery as a PA.