@_justaud – Page 3 – Coach Audrey Taylor

Journal
February 1, 2025

Choose Love: The Theory, The Journey, The Commitment

Every year, I choose a word or phrase to anchor my spiritual and emotional growth. Last year, it was Intentionality—prioritizing,...

Passion 4 Youth
February 28, 2024

Ballin’ In the Park ‘the alley’ pickup league

Growing up, some of my fondest memories were made at ‘the alley,’ the park across the street from my grandmother’s,...

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…

Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing

They say, “they wish more could be like me.” “Think like me,” because I…

Finding Solace in Journaling: My Lifeline Through Turbulent Times

Journaling became my lifeline—a sacred refuge where I could pour out my thoughts and…

Coaching, Journal
January 8, 2026

Lacing Up for 2026: I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…

The yoga mat is still rolled up by the door, the scent of eucalyptus and lavender lingering in the room, but my mind was already moving. I had just finished a long, slow yoga flow—the kind where you’re forced to sit in the tension of a pose until your muscles scream for release. Afterward, I laid still and did some ‘breathe’ work while embracing the quiet, the kind of quiet that allows new thoughts in, just me listening. Quiet air. That early morning silence that feels like God is already awake and waiting on you to finally listen. As I asked myself deeper questions than usual this morning, I couldn’t help but wonder… when did we start believing that the only wins that count are the ones people can see? When did becoming “new you” start meaning we had to erase who we used to be? We’ve become a culture that wants the breakthrough without the breakdown. The promise without the process. The testimony without the tension. But if the court has taught me anything—if life has taught me anything—it’s that authority doesn’t come from applause. It comes from endurance. You can’t command a group if you’ve never had to,...

Journal
November 10, 2025

My Best Rival Became My Best Mentor

I can barely believe I’m writing this, but it’s true: I’m joining the Legendary Coach Mary Klinger’s (Rutgers Preparatory School) staff this season. What a meaningful, full-circle moment. For twelve years, Mary and I stood on opposite sidelines, locked in a continuous state of pressure and rivalry. She extended her hand early in my career; for that I’m forever thankful. We had our on-court battles, but the mutual respect was always there. To go from that level of competition to this level of connection—it’s the ultimate victory. I am incredibly thankful for her grace, her friendship, and her trust. Mary is truly a legendary leader, not just because of all of her accolades and accomplishments, but because she actively extends her hand to support fellow women coaches. Her wisdom and support as I’ve navigated my own path have been invaluable. This whole transition has taught me the greatest lesson in leadership: true strength isn’t about winning against someone; it’s about reaching back to anchor them in their own becoming. Unraveling to Remain This incredible new chapter ties right into the deep inner work I’ve been doing over the last couple of years. I spent too long confusing who I was,...

Coaching, Journal
June 30, 2025

While the Community Celebrated, I Was Learning to Breathe Again

I’ve never really spoken about this out loud. I’ve carried it quietly. Prayed through it. Worked through it. And in some ways, I’m still working through it. But I believe it’s time. I remember the season my life turned sideways, the world kept spinning — but I stood still. It started August 2018.My father passed away.He was my guy. My sideline presence. The man who never missed a game, even if he was running between two homes and juggling his own life. I used to look for him in the bleachers before every tip-off — and he was always there. Always cheering, even on my worst days. That’s the way he loved me. But life didn’t slow down. Basketball fall league had started, and I leaned in, because the gym was always my safe haven. We started the season, set our goal to get back to Tournament of Champions and win. We were deep in the middle of the season. My girls were focused, determined, still nursing the sting of the previous year’s loss in the TOC finals. We set high standards in practices, treated every game like it was win or go home— but then the tragic loss of,...