Taylor has the distinctions of being a co-captain and the lone senior on the women's basketball team this year, distinctions she achieved despite not starting until the second half of her junior year. Many people would have been frustrated by the lack of playing time. Taylor, however, stuck with the sport that she loves. "I love basketball. I think it's the greatest game ever invented," she said.
A resident of the small town of Harvard, Massachusetts, Taylor was told to find an after-school activity by her parents when she became a freshman. Her two choices were band and basketball. Though she played the tuba at that point, Taylor decided to take up basketball.
"I wasn't tall until eighth grade and then, when I grew, someone suggested that I try basketball," she explained. It was that growth spurt that caused Amherst to lose a tuba player and gain a forward.
Asked if she regrets her youthful decision, Taylor replied, "I actually do miss playing the tuba, it's a great instrument." But Amherst hoops fans should be happy that she chose so wisely.
"Most of the athletes in the school played three sports. I also played soccer and rowed crew," she said. Despite her soccer skill, Taylor decided that she wanted to play basketball in college. She sent out videos to most NESCAC schools and was rewarded with offers.
Things did not go quite as smoothly once she came to Amherst. Her first year, the Jeffs had a poor season, and Taylor watched most of the losses from the bench. The team improved her second year, but her playing time did not increase. Then, last season, Taylor watched a talented bunch of newcomers lead the team to a stellar season. Despite her limited playing time, she continued to work hard in practice and improve her game. "I always had fun going to the practices and being with the team. Everyone has always been very supportive," Taylor said.
Her efforts finally paid off at the end of her junior season as she earned a starting spot. Taylor attributed her recent success to a newfound confidence and work ethic that has improved her passing and shooting. Despite the long wait, Taylor has no regrets about sticking with the sport. "I was willing to stay with it because I felt that everyone contributes to the team's success, whether or not they are playing," she said. "Even when I wasn't a starter I felt I had something to give to the team to help."
Taylor's gut feelings rang true over Interterm, when she exploded against Williams College, knocking down 14 points along with four rebounds and four assists in front of a supportive crowd in LeFrak Gymnasium.
Taylor does, however, feel the pressure of being the lone senior. "It's tough being the only senior because I'm the only one for whom this is the last season," she said. "I've seen this program go through a lot," she continued. "All the freshmen and sophomores think that this is just how it's supposed to be, so I try to keep them from being overconfident," she explained.
Overall, Taylor has had a positive experience at Amherst, saying: "I feel that I have been lucky to play here."