Coach and player – Coach Audrey Taylor

Journal

Morning Reflections

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

- Coaching, Player Development
- 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,...
- 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.

Athlete Spotlight: Lexi Carnegie

The Game is Simple. The Pressure Isn’t.