@_justaud – Page 2 – Coach Audrey Taylor

Coaching, Journal
April 30, 2025

Protecting My Peace & Choosing What Pours In

There’s a moment—every coach, every human—comes to it. That place where two worlds collide, and you’re forced to choose. The,...

Coaching, Journal
April 17, 2025

I Hate to Lose, But I Love to Grow

There’s this thing I do after every tournament. I sit in silence for a few minutes. I let the gym,...

Goal Setting x Journaling

As a experienced basketball coach, I’ve seen firsthand how journaling can be a game-changer…

Heirloom Kitchen: Where Every Plate Tells a Story

Foodie Friday

Morning Reflections

Waking up to a text from a former player, telling you how much you’ve…

Bridesmaid for the Last Time

Let me tell you, being a bridesmaid is not for the faint of heart.…

Black Sheep Bar & Provisions: A Hidden Gem in Garwood, NJ

Let me just say this right off the bat—I loved the vibe at Black…

Coaching, Journal
April 30, 2025

Protecting My Peace & Choosing What Pours In

There’s a moment—every coach, every human—comes to it. That place where two worlds collide, and you’re forced to choose. The duality of life and basketball doesn’t ask for permission. It shows up, sometimes without warning, and you have to figure out how to be present in both spaces without falling apart in either.

Coaching, Journal
April 17, 2025

I Hate to Lose, But I Love to Grow

There’s this thing I do after every tournament. I sit in silence for a few minutes. I let the gym noise fade, the sound of sneakers squeaking and parents shouting turn to stillness. And in that quiet, I begin the replay. Not the film. Not yet. The mental one. I go through every moment—every timeout, every sub, every play call. I pick it apart like a coach should. But sometimes, I go too far. I forget the part where I’m human. I forget to choose love… for me. This past weekend we went 2-2. Our first game was a true test—aggressive team, fast pace. We had a slow start, but we fought back and took the win. I saw heart in them. Grit. The kind that makes you pause and remember why you love coaching. Second game? Same slow start, stronger finish, but not enough. Turnovers and lack of rebounding cost us. Sunday came. First game—easier, but useful. Everybody got in. Everybody touched the ball. Confidence reset. It’s what we needed before the storm. And then came the last game. The one that sticks to your ribs. The one you think about all week. Winnable? Absolutely. Lost? Yes. But what,...

Coaching
February 11, 2025

The Game is Simple. The Pressure Isn’t.

From the outside looking in, basketball seems straightforward. Five players on the court, working as one to score points while defending their basket. Simple, right? Sure, at first glance, it’s just a game. But take a closer look, and you’ll see the layers beneath the surface. It takes a foundation of fundamental skills to make a basket, and a deep understanding of strategies to keep an opponent from doing the same. Developing those skills? That’s where practice/training comes in. Learning to apply them in game situations? That’s where coaching shines. A coach’s role extends far beyond teaching the Xs and Os. It’s about equipping athletes with the tools to understand the game, to develop their craft, and to embrace the level of effort and commitment required to achieve excellence. But coaching isn’t just about skill-building and strategies. It’s about shaping character, inspiring purpose, encouraging and helping athletes navigate the court & pressures that come with potential. And here’s where things get complicated. When kids first step onto the court, it’s pure joy. They play for the love of the game—the friendships, the energy, the thrill of competition. But as their talent starts to shine, something shifts. Suddenly, parents, coaches, and,...