Franklin Lady Warriors (Somerset, NJ)
November 2010 – June 2023
For over a decade, Coach Audrey Taylor has been at the helm of the Franklin girls’ basketball program, leading the Lady Warriors to unprecedented success and national recognition. With her passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence, Coach Taylor has reinvented the team, transforming them into a dominant force in high school basketball.
Under Coach Taylor’s leadership, the Lady Warriors have risen to national prominence, earning accolades such as the prestigious USA Today All-USA Girls Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2018-2019 season. Her coaching prowess has propelled Franklin to three consecutive appearances in the New Jersey Tournament of Champions (TOC), a remarkable feat for a public school in a state where scholastic athletics are predominantly dominated by parochial schools.
A defining characteristic of Coach Taylor’s tenure has been her ability to guide the Lady Warriors to victory against top-tier competition. Despite the challenges posed by competing against private schools with recruiting privileges, Coach Taylor has cultivated a winning culture at Franklin, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and a relentless work ethic.
Coach Taylor’s impact extends beyond the basketball court. She has instilled in her players a winning mentality and a commitment to excellence that transcends the game. Her emphasis on toughness, defense, and playing with passion has set a standard of excellence for the entire program.
One of Coach Taylor’s most remarkable achievements came during the 2018-2019 season when she led the Lady Warriors to an undefeated record of 34-0, surpassing previous records and earning a ranking of 12th in the nation according to the USA Today poll. This remarkable season showcased Coach Taylor’s ability to inspire her team to greatness and set new standards of excellence within the sport.
- 2019 USA Today All-USA Coach of the Year
- 2019 Ranked #12 Nationally (USA Today-Super 25)
- 2017 & 2019 Ranked #1 State of NJ
- 2019 Undefeated Season 34-0
Coach Taylor’s success is not just measured in wins and losses but in the bonds she has forged with her players. She understands the importance of team unity and has implemented rituals such as personalized handshakes and pre-game chants to foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among her players.
2014 Somerset County Tournament Championship Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
2014 Somerset County Tournament Championship Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
2014 Somerset County Tournament Championship Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
Winning mentality – We learned from our losses and allow them to fuel our fire! We never stopped believing in our TEAM!
Winning mentality – We learned from our losses and allow them to fuel our fire! We never stopped believing in our TEAM!
Winning mentality – We learned from our losses and allow them to fuel our fire! We never stopped believing in our TEAM!
2014 State Tournament Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
2014 State Tournament Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
2014 State Tournament Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
DETERMINATION. PASSION. FHS Lady Warriors were NOT going home without a W! We also brought our 6th man (WARRIOR NATION) out to guarantee the win.
DETERMINATION. PASSION. FHS Lady Warriors were NOT going home without a W! We also brought our 6th man (WARRIOR NATION) out to guarantee the win.
DETERMINATION. PASSION. FHS Lady Warriors were NOT going home without a W! We also brought our 6th man (WARRIOR NATION) out to guarantee the win.
2014 Sectional State Championship Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
2014 Sectional State Championship Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet
2014 Sectional State Championship Game Highlights.
© Tom Journet.
First time in school history… FHS Lady Warriors finish the season #1 in the state of NJ.
First time in school history… FHS Lady Warriors finish the season #1 in the state of NJ.
First time in school history… FHS Lady Warriors finish the season #1 in the state of NJ.
© RonDownesFilms
© RonDownesFilms
© RonDownesFilms
After taking 2nd in TOC Final in 2018… the Lady Warriors approached the 2019 season with FOCUS & DETERMINATION. We approached every game like it was the championship game!
After taking 2nd in TOC Final in 2018… the Lady Warriors approached the 2019 season with FOCUS & DETERMINATION. We approached every game like it was the championship game!
After taking 2nd in TOC Final in 2018… the Lady Warriors approached the 2019 season with FOCUS & DETERMINATION. We approached every game like it was the championship game!
© Jersey Sports Zone
© Jersey Sports Zone
© Jersey Sports Zone
In the world of girls’ basketball, Coach Audrey Taylor stands as a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring athletes and coaches alike. Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the Franklin girls’ basketball program and the sport as a whole. As Coach Taylor continues to inspire and empower the next generation of athletes, her legacy of success will endure for years to come.
2014
Group 4 Sectional Champions
FHS Coach of the Year
Courier News Coach of the Year
2015
2x Group 4 Sectional Champions
Division Champions
2017
3x Group 4 Sectional Champions
Group 4 State Champs
Tournament of Champions Winner
2018
4x Group 4 Sectional Champions
2x Group 4 State Champs
2019
5x Group 4 Sectional Champions
3x Group 4 State Champs
Tournament of Champions Winner
34-0 Undefeated Record
As a passionate advocate of giving back to the community, Coach Taylor extends her impact beyond the basketball court. She mentors aspiring youth through the Passion 4 Youth, Inc., a 501(c)(3) educational and athletic program that she founded and leads as Chief Executive Officer. Recognizing the widening gap between the privileged and those in need, Coach Taylor ensures that top-notch skill development is accessible to all, regardless of financial means. Her dedication to providing affordable training opportunities empowers young athletes who might otherwise have limited access to formalized coaching, allowing them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Through her work with Passion 4 Youth, Coach Taylor continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of aspiring athletes and future leaders in the community.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
