There’s a saying around the University of La Verne campus, “Leos for life.” Leopard volleyball alumnus Randi Taylor-Toomay lives that motto. Taylor-Toomay was a 2012 All-American Honorable Mention, All-West Region, and First Team All-SCIAC standout for the Leopards, playing with the squad from the 2009-2012 seasons.
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2013, she returned to La Verne to attain her California Single Subject Teaching Credential in 2015, earned her Master of Education with a Special Emphasis in Physical Education in 2016, and is now working towards her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership which she expects to complete in 2024.
“As most people know, there is something about ULV that draws you in. Initially, I was recruited to ULV to join the 2008 national runner-up team. Coach [Don] Flora had recruited my class before resigning from the position, so I ended up choosing to stay regardless of the coaching changes. I played two seasons under coach Sano and two seasons under coach Jenna (now University of La Verne Director of Athletics, Dr. Jenna Panatier). Once I was here, competing and making lifelong friends, I could never really leave.”
After earning her first degree at La Verne, Taylor-Toomay began coaching boys and girls volleyball at Diamond Ranch High School and taught physical education, AVID, and Independent Studies in the Pomona Unified School District.
She returned to La Verne as an adjunct professor and assistant coach for the volleyball program in 2019.
“ULV is a tight-knit community with incredible people in and around the campus that make it a home. The volleyball program, regardless of coaching changes and success or trials, has always maintained integrity, pride, tradition, and competition, which is not easy to do. Because of my values and the things I find most important in raising my kids and growing my career, ULV is a place I want to be involved in and somewhere I have always seen myself belonging. I am a proud alumnus, employee, and coach of ULV,” added Taylor-Toomay.
This season, Taylor-Toomay and the rest of the La Verne coaching staff earned SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year and guided the Leopards to the Sweet 16.
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