bridesmaid – Coach Audrey Taylor

Coaching, Journal
August 21, 2023

The Lady Behind the Photo

I have a story to share with you—a story about a young Black woman on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment,,...

Journal
March 21, 2023

Court Angles, Life Lessons: Mastering the Pivot Points of Success

It was just another day at the gym, nothing special. But as I shot hoops, a familiar frustration lingered from,...

Journal

Bridesmaid for the Last Time

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

- 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,...
- Journal
- March 21, 2023
Court Angles, Life Lessons: Mastering the Pivot Points of Success

It was just another day at the gym, nothing special. But as I shot hoops, a familiar frustration lingered from my last game. That’s when Coach Nickleberry strolled onto the court, chatting me up as he snagged rebounds. “Nice moves, but what’s your plan when they shut you down? Ever thought about your angles?” His question caught me off guard. Angles and basketball? That was a new one. I tried brushing it off with an overconfident response, then quickly laughed it off. Truth was, I’d never really considered the importance of court angles in my game. That’s when Coach took me through a game-changing revelation. He guided me to the right wing and asked, “What do you see?” Of course, I said “the basket.” Coach nodded. “Exactly. Our aim is to reach that basket in the smartest way possible.” He then broke down three different attacking angles depending on the defense. Retreat, re-evaluate, attack from another angle if needed. “But how do I know which angle to go for first?” I asked. “Trust your instincts, your first read,” he said. “Learn from every decision because you won’t always nail it on the first try. Oh, and there are five key,...
- Coaching, Journal
- August 21, 2023
The Lady Behind the Photo

I have a story to share with you—a story about a young Black woman on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and unapologetic Black excellence. So, allow me to recount a part of the journey that forever changed the way I viewed myself. Picture this: it’s game day. The gym is alive with energy, the squeak of sneakers on the court, and the roar of fans in the stands. For me, this is home—a place where I am in my element, commanding the sidelines with purpose and passion, guiding a group of determined young women to greatness.