San Jose Olympic medalist celebrates return home with local youth

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) – Taylor Averill, 32, a standout on Team USA's volleyball squad, returned to his San Jose high school for the first time in over 14 years this week. This visit was especially significant as he came back as a bronze medalist from his debut Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

On Saturday, Averill reunited with his former volleyball team, Bay-to-Bay, to celebrate his achievement and reconnect with the community that helped shape his journey.

“Winning an Olympic medal and achieving success is incredible, but the best part is giving back to the kids and people who supported me along the way,” Averill shared. “I feel privileged to be in a position where I can do that.”

Since graduating from Branham High School in 2010, Averill had not returned to his old school. Reflecting on his visit, he described it as “humbling.”

“It’s quite the experience coming back here,” Averill said. “I played my first beach volleyball game here and had my first practice on this court. The emotions are intense, especially after the emotional rollercoaster of the Olympics.”

Averill described the Olympic experience as a whirlwind of emotions, amplifying every feeling he had. However, he found it all worthwhile, feeling he proved something deeply personal to himself.

“The Olympics magnifies every human emotion,” he explained. “It takes a lot to stay composed and perform at that level. I believe I performed well because I had spent months reflecting, going through therapy, and working on understanding myself better.”

Interestingly, the coach who selected Averill for the Team USA roster was the same person who had once told him he didn’t make the cut for UC Irvine’s D1 volleyball team during college.

Averill noted that managing his expectations was crucial. “Before the team selection in May, I wondered if I could be okay with myself, even if I never made it to the Olympics. But when you’re doing what you love, the results don’t define you. I’m just incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” Averill said.

Averill plans to spend his final week in the Bay Area before departing for Italy, where he will begin his first season as a middle blocker for Volley Monza.

When asked about the message he wants to convey to young people, Averill replied, “Just have fun. It doesn’t matter what it is—find what you love and commit fully. Volleyball helped me discover myself, and the best way to learn life’s most important lessons is by embracing what truly interests you.”

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