coach audrey taylor – Coach Audrey Taylor

Coaching Journal

Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing

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

- Journal
- October 10, 2024
Bridesmaid for the Last Time

Let me tell you, being a bridesmaid is not for the faint of heart. I’ve had the honor of standing beside several close friends as they tied the knot, each with their own unique styles and very specific requests. And with every wedding, I reminded myself it wasn’t about how I felt but about how much I loved them and wanted to see their wedding dreams come true. Some dresses hugged my body like a dream, others… well, let’s just say I was grateful for my self-confidence. Yet, despite the fashion hits and (many) misses, they all wanted me to be a part of their special day, and that’s what really mattered. But after turns as a bridesmaid, I’ve made a vow of my own: no more weddings unless I’m sitting in the guest section with a plate of cake! Well, there’s one exception—if my sister Asialyn decides to walk down the aisle, you know I’ll be there in a heartbeat. And fine, maybe for my nephew, too. By then, I’ll be an older, wiser woman, and they’ll have to find me a dress that fits me and my walker! (Okay, kidding. Sort of.) Being part of a bridal party,...
- Journal
- March 21, 2023
Angles of the Court

It was one of those regular afternoons, just me and the gym, shooting hoops. But this time, I couldn’t shake off the frustration from the last game. Coach Nickleberry strolled onto the court, chatting with me while snagging rebounds. “Nice moves, but what’s your plan when they shut you down? Ever thought about your angles?” His question threw me off—I mean, angles and basketball? That was new. Initially, I blurted out some overly confident response, then retracted it with a laugh. I’d never pondered the connection between angles and the game until Coach brought it up. He introduced me to the concept of ‘angles of the court.’ He guided me to the right side of the court, the right wing, and asked, “What do you see?” My obvious answer: “the basket.” “Exactly. Our aim? To reach that basket in the smartest way possible,” he explained. He opened my eyes to three different attacking angles, depending on the defense’s play, and emphasized countering their moves. Retreat, re-evaluate, and attack from another angle if needed. “How do I know which angle to go for first?” I asked. “Trust your instincts, your first read. Learn from every decision because you won’t always nail,...
- 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 tale that forever changed the way I viewed myself. Picture this: it’s game day, and the energy on the court is electric. As the coach of a rising basketball program, I’m in my element, leading my team with passion and purpose. But little did I know, the excitement for the program was extending beyond the community.

Angles of the Court

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