It’s a nine-hour plane ride from Chicago to Madrid and one former Saluki volleyball player will be on her way there soon to fulfill her dream.

Middle hitter Taylor Pippen signed a contract with Figaro Peluqueros, a professional team on the Island of Tenerife, nearly 100 miles off the west coast of Morroco. 

In her time at SIU, Pippen became the most efficient attacker in program history and helped SIU reach its first NCAA Tournament berth. Her career attack percentage of .345 is the best of all time. The 5-foot-11 Mundelein native also holds the school record for block assists with 426.

Before the 2015-16 season started, Pippen said it was her dream to play professional volleyball in Spain. On Saturday, Pippen will get the chance to play in her first pro game.

The Hairdressers, the team name for Figaro Peluqueros, are currently in a playoff run, Pippen said. She will be replacing a middle hitter who was recently injured.

“I’m really excited to get over there and show them what I can do,” she said.

After her plane touches down in Tenerife, Pippen said she might practice with the team a few hours later.

But with her sparse knowledge of the Spanish language, Pippen said she is nervous for the culture shock.

“The president said all of the practices will be spoken in Spanish,” Pippen said. “Being in a different country all on my own really makes me nervous.”

Evan Jones can be reached at [email protected] or at (618)536-3304