Widgets – Coach Audrey Taylor

Journal

Choose Love: The Theory, The Journey, The Commitment

February 1, 2025424

Love has been my safe place, my teacher, my strength.

I’m passionate about teaching & growing the game I love.

Welcome to the world of transformation, growth, and empowerment with Coach Audrey Taylor! Here,…

The Road to Chicago

Hey, let’s talk about something truly special—my incredible squad tearing it up on the…

The Lady Behind the Photo

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

Inspire. Believe. Lead.

I BELIEVE I’m here to teach the game of basketball and that will never…

Protecting My Peace & Choosing What Pours In

Journal Entry (Apr '25)

I Hate to Lose, But I Love to Grow

Journal Entry- April 2025

The Game is Simple. The Pressure Isn’t.

At first, they played for the joy. Then, we added pressure. What if we…

A Note to Fellow & Future Hoopers 🏀💙

Lexi Carnegie; 5-9 Guard Class of 2026 Teaneck High School Jersey Gemz, Nike EYBL

Athlete Spotlight: Lexi Carnegie

Her Story. Her Edge. Her Journey.

Greedy Girl Chronicles
November 5, 2024

Heirloom Kitchen: Where Every Plate Tells a Story

30 minutes from Rutgers University, 60 mins from Seton Hall & Monmouth sits a culinary sanctuary that’s redefining the New Jersey dining scene, one thoughtfully crafted dish at a time. There are restaurants you stumble upon, and then there are restaurants you plan your entire week around. Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge, New Jersey, firmly plants itself in the latter category. As a traveling coach who’s dined everywhere from sandwich shops to Michelin-starred establishments, let me tell you – this spot hits different. The First Impression Walking into Heirloom Kitchen feels like being invited into someone’s carefully curated home. The open-concept kitchen isn’t just for show; it’s the heart of the restaurant, where you can watch culinary artistry unfold in real-time. The chef’s table seating transforms your dinner from a meal into an evening’s entertainment. The Experience Let’s talk about their four-course prix fixe menu, because this isn’t just dinner – it’s storytelling through food. Each course arrives with a narrative, presented by staff who speak about these dishes with the same passion I have discussing game strategy. The timing between courses? Perfectly paced, like a well-executed offense. What Makes It Special Here’s what you need to know: Final Thoughts,...

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, Player Development
November 11, 2024

Goal Setting x Journaling

As a experienced basketball coach, I’ve seen firsthand how journaling can be a game-changer for athletes at every level of development. Far beyond just jotting down your to-do list, a dedicated journal practice has the power to transform your skills, boost your confidence, and nurture a positive mindset that will benefit you both on and off the court. If you’re an athlete or the parent of one, I encourage you to give journaling a try. Here’s how you can use it to take your performance to new heights: Step 1: Set Meaningful Goals The first step is to get clear on what you want to achieve. Grab your journal and spend some time reflecting on your aspirations. Do you want to improve your free throw percentage? Improve your ball handling? Become a better teammate? Write down 1-3 specific, measurable goals that really excite you. Be as detailed as possible – the more concrete your goals, the easier they’ll be to track and accomplish. Step 2: Plan Your Progress Now that you’ve set your sights on your desired outcomes, it’s time to map out how you’re going to get there. In your journal, outline the small, consistent actions you’ll need to,...

Journal
February 1, 2025

Choose Love: The Theory, The Journey, The Commitment

Every year, I choose a word or phrase to anchor my spiritual and emotional growth. Last year, it was Intentionality—prioritizing what fuels my growth, sharpening my focus, and ensuring that everything I poured into had a purpose.

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,...

- Coaching, Journal
- April 30, 2025
Protecting My Peace & Choosing What Pours In

There’s a moment—every coach, every human—comes to it. That place where two worlds collide, and you’re forced to choose. The duality of life and basketball doesn’t ask for permission. It shows up, sometimes without warning, and you have to figure out how to be present in both spaces without falling apart in either.
- Coaching, Journal
- April 17, 2025
I Hate to Lose, But I Love to Grow

There’s this thing I do after every tournament. I sit in silence for a few minutes. I let the gym noise fade, the sound of sneakers squeaking and parents shouting turn to stillness. And in that quiet, I begin the replay. Not the film. Not yet. The mental one. I go through every moment—every timeout, every sub, every play call. I pick it apart like a coach should. But sometimes, I go too far. I forget the part where I’m human. I forget to choose love… for me. This past weekend we went 2-2. Our first game was a true test—aggressive team, fast pace. We had a slow start, but we fought back and took the win. I saw heart in them. Grit. The kind that makes you pause and remember why you love coaching. Second game? Same slow start, stronger finish, but not enough. Turnovers and lack of rebounding cost us. Sunday came. First game—easier, but useful. Everybody got in. Everybody touched the ball. Confidence reset. It’s what we needed before the storm. And then came the last game. The one that sticks to your ribs. The one you think about all week. Winnable? Absolutely. Lost? Yes. But what,...
- Coaching
- 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,...