There was no doubt that Taylor Brauneis was Louisville's dominant setter for the last two years. The junior led the team with 1,100 assists in 2010, and continued her top performance in 2011 when she was responsible for 85 percent of the Cardinals' assists.
With the Gators' top two setters gone for the 2012 season, Brauneis picked the perfect time to transfer to Florida.
"There is a confidence level, and she plays with so much game," coach Mary Wise said. "We talk about the greatest players and so many of them have a high IQ of the game, and that's what Taylor has."
Brauneis should have no problem picking up the slack from Florida's two departing setters. Not only was she just 125 assists shy of Kelly Murphy and Chanel Brown's combined total last year, but had she been a Gator in 2011, Brauneis would have been third in service aces and fourth in digs.
Wise and players like Tangerine Wiggs are excited about Brauneis' addition because of her talent and ability to run a 5-1 offense, something Florida hasnít done since 2007.
"It is so great to have Taylor coming from a successful program and the experience she has," Wiggs said. "She has run a 5-1 offense, and we have only run a 6-2 in the past couple of years, so having someone come with the experience of running a 5-1, it is so different. Having Taylor is huge. It is something that puts us a step ahead."
The main difference between a 5-1 offense and a 6-2 offense is the number of setters a team has on the court. In the 5-1 thereís only one setter, as opposed to two setters in a 6-2.
Because Brauneis has only played in a 6-2 once in her entire volleyball career, the Gators will spend more time in the 5-1 scheme this season.
Since transferring in January, Brauneis has had to learn how to adjust to the new coaches, players and tempo. However, she said she's up to the challenge of filling the shoes of the setters who've left Florida.
"I was here for the spring and I had to learn a couple of new things, but I think when summer started, I was a Gator," Brauneis said. "I want to win a national championship, and I think here, I can do that."
Contact Katie Agostin at kagostin@alligator.org.
