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Hammond Signs With Netzhoppers KW-Bestensee of Germany

July 11, 2016 - Netzhoppers jersey Release

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Recently wrapping up a stellar four-year career in the Blue & White, Taylor Hammond has signed with Netzhoppers KW-Bestensee of Königs Wusterhausen, Germany for the 2016-17 season.

Hammond, a 2016 graduate of Penn State, becomes the first American in Netzhoppers KW-Bestensee history.

"Congratulations to Taylor on continuing his volleyball career at the next level," said head coach Mark Pavlik.

"I have no doubt that Taylor's work ethic and competitive drive will enable him to help his new team in the upcoming season. Like all of other Nittany Lions who have gone on to the professional ranks I am extremely proud of the opportunities of which they have taken advantage! I will be following his career with a close eye."

"I am very excited for the opportunity to play with the Netzhoppers next season and compete in the very tough Bundesliga," said Hammond. "I hope to bring to the club the skills I developed at Penn State and expand on them."

A Mission Viejo, Calif. native, Hammond is coming off a season which saw him average a staggering 11.04 assist per set that ranked No. 1 in the EIVA and No. 5 in the NCAA.

The four-year starter at setter finished his career with the fifth-most sets in Penn State history recording 4,732 during his time in Happy Valley.

Penn State advanced to the NCAA Semi-Final three of his four years on the court for the Nittany Lions (2013-2015).

Penn State is coming off a season that saw Hammond help them to a 19-10 record clinching their 19th-consecutive Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) regular season championship in program history.

For more on Nittany Lion men's volleyball, log onto www.GoPSUsports.com or follow the team on Twitter @PennStateMVBall.