High school basketball – Coach Audrey Taylor

Coaching Journal

The Lady Behind the Photo

Embrace your passion, own your strength, and defy the stereotypes.

- Coaching, Journal
- October 12, 2024
Morning Reflections

Waking up to a text from a former player, telling you how much you’ve impacted their life, is one of those soul-deep reminders of why I coach. It’s not just about basketball—it’s about purpose, about pouring into others, about mentoring and uplifting young women. Coaching, for me, is a calling. It’s a blessing to wake up every day and do what I love, knowing that the seeds planted years ago continue to grow. Being a coach has become more than just guiding athletes to victories or overcoming challenges. It’s about shaping young hearts and minds, helping them believe in their potential, and inspiring them to chase their dreams. Watching them set high standards, navigate the ups and downs, and rise after every fall is where the real joy comes from. The fulfillment? It’s unexplainable, but it’s a joy that settles deep within my spirit, a joy that satisfies the soul. It’s in those moments of growth and resilience that I realize the deeper purpose of this journey. My grandmother once told me, “Give love as you would want to receive it.” Those words have been my guide. I’ve made it a point to coach from that place of love—both fierce,...
- 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.

The Lady Behind the Photo

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