At Sachse High School, senior Taber Torres isn’t just excelling. She’s redefining success. Ranked in the top 1% of her class, she’s on track to graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate of Science degree, all while balancing leadership roles and an impressive athletic career.

Her motivation? A promise to herself and the memory of her father.

“My dad passed away a few months ago, and he’s my biggest source of strength,” she shared. “He wanted me to have opportunities he didn’t, and that pushes me to work hard every single day.”

That drive has propelled her to the top, both academically and athletically. Taber is a class officer, a member of the National Honor Society, and a leader in multiple student organizations. She has earned the Academic Excellence Award three years in a row and was recently recognized with Sachse High School’s prestigious Triple Crown Award, which honors students excelling in academics, fine arts, and athletics.

Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. WFAA recently recognized her as a Scholar-Athlete of the Week, an honor that caught her by surprise. “I think my mom nominated me, and when I found out I’d be going to the WFAA studios, it hit me that I was about to meet the anchors I grew up watching on TV!”

But Taber isn’t just a leader in the classroom. She brings that same drive to the volleyball court.

Inspired by her older sister, she started playing volleyball at seven. “My sister went through the Sachse volleyball program, so I knew I wanted to do the same when I got to high school. My family was always involved, and my parents never missed a game. That support made me fall in love with the sport.”

As a libero, she was the backbone of her team’s defense, consistently delivering game-changing plays that earned her the district Defensive Player of the Year title. “The small things add up,” she said. “Every drill, every rep, it all matters. You have to give full effort because even the tiniest improvements make a difference in big moments.”

That same strategic mindset carries over to her academic goals. While her future college plans are undecided, she knows she wants to study business, marketing, or finance. “Business is so versatile,” she said. “No matter where I go, I know I’ll have options.”

Her advice to younger students chasing big dreams? “Give 100% to everything you do. Be all in at practice, be all in at school. It’s not always easy, but the hard work pays off in ways you never expect.”

With her resilience, leadership, and work ethic, there’s no doubt Taber Torres is on a path to success. She embodies what it means to be #GISDUnmatched.