The Madison Marlin girls varsity volleyball program finished third last season with a record of 14-4. They beat quality teams but finished behind Carnegie Vanguard and Galena Park. Senior leadership was the reason for the Marlins’ winning season. One of those seniors, Talia Rayme, a three-year varsity letterman and team leader, recently put her skills on display at the HISD all-star volleyball game.
“I was excited and honored to play because that was my last time wearing my high school jersey and stepping onto the court. I was thankful for the opportunity,” said Rayme.
“Talia is a relentless player that has the IQ and skill to go wherever needed,” said Marlin’s head volleyball coach Tiffany Lockhart. “She leaves it all on the court and strives to be better than yesterday. She is a hardworking utility player who led our team in defense and aces with her strong jump serve. She will be truly missed.”
Talia Rayme
IG: @traymevball6
Position: All Around
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 125 pounds
Players she studies: Skylar Fields (former USC player)
Favorite artist: Jhene Aiko
Status: Committed to Lamar University
Favorite subject: Math
Shout-outs: Mom, Dad, Coach Lockhart
Rayme began playing volleyball in the seventh grade at Lawson Middle School after sitting in numerous gyms watching her sister dominate the sport.
“My sister Deja Williams played under Coach Lockhart at Madison High School. I sat in many practices and watched her moves and I studied how the team reacted to various in-game situations,” said Rayme.
Rayme continued to work on her game as she imitated what she saw in her sister and her sister’s team. Freshman year, she played freshman volleyball but was soon moved up to the junior varsity level. By her sophomore year, she was playing varsity.
“Volleyball is a healing medicine; it gives me peace. When I step on the court I have no worries,” said Rayme.
Volleyball has helped Rayme overcome various difficult situations, including the time her grandfather passed.
“When my grandfather died four years ago, it was hard. He died on a day I had a game. I was emotional, but I was faced with the option to play or not to play. That day, I chose to play not for me, but for my grandfather. I stepped on the court and I felt at peace,” said Rayme.
Rayme watches the game of former Ridge Point High School and USC standout, Skylar Fields.
“She is very confident with her game and she is a very skilled player. I love to watch her,” said Rayme.
Next season Rayme will be attending Lamar University where she will be playing on the club team. In January she will get reevaluated for the team with hopes of becoming a walk-on. If volleyball doesn’t work out, Rayme plans to study physical education and continue focusing on sports and physical fitness.
“I chose physical education because I want to teach people about sports, the body benefits of staying physically fit once you are older,” said Rayme.
When looking back to inspire the next group of athletes, Rayme recalls the advice given to her by her father, Terrence Rayme.
“Life is all about taking risks. If you never take a risk you will never achieve your dream,” said Rayme.
