On the surface, track and field may seem like a sport defined by speed and strength—but for Coach Taylor and his dedicated athletes, it’s a journey of growth, discipline, and resilience that shapes young women far beyond the finish line.

For Coach Taylor, the most essential qualities in a successful athlete go far deeper. “More important than physical gifts are students who are committed, consistent, and willing to learn,” he explained. As head coach of the girls outdoor track team, Taylor has built a program focused not just on athleticism, but on life skills, personal development, and team unity.

Helping athletes juggle the many demands of teenage life is part of Taylor’s role. “Being able to handle many things is a requirement for life success. Prioritizing what’s most important is crucial,” he said. Taylor regularly talks to his athletes about time management and encourages them to create schedules that balance school, training, and personal time.

Rather than focusing solely on wins and losses, Taylor emphasizes growth. “Unfortunately, most coaches focus on Ws and Ls. Luckily for track, I can stress that personal goals and improvements are far more important,” he said. This mindset helps his athletes develop a healthier relationship with competition and keeps them striving for their personal best.

One of the biggest challenges he’s faced is ensuring that all team members stay academically eligible. “The biggest obstacle has been helping our struggling academic students stay eligible. I remind them of all available resources, including peer tutoring. I also follow up with teachers to track progress,” he reflected.

Maintaining unity in what can often feel like an individual sport is also a high priority. “Team unity is a priority because it’s easy to get lost in a large team,” Taylor explained. To strengthen connections, he uses “color groups, grade groups, and random pairings,” and assigns buddies or “big sisters” to newer or shy runners.

Among the athletes thriving under Taylor’s guidance is junior Nyra Millien, who competes in a range of events, including the 400 hurdles — her favorite. “I think it suits me,” she said.

Preparation is both physical and mental: “I make sure to eat and prepare healthy snacks… and give myself self-affirmations like, ‘I can do this,’” she shared. This season, the pressure has grown. Balancing dance, college ambitions, and leadership has added stress, but also drive.

“Being part of the team has helped me come into my true self,” she said. A standout moment? Placing third at the season opener at Icahn Stadium despite limited practice. “That moment made me stronger and I realized I needed to stop doubting myself.”

Sprinter and hurdler Khloe Harrington finds her focus in visualization and music before meets. Her biggest challenge? The weather. “Wind, rain, and bad temperatures can significantly impact my performance,” she said.

Still, the bonds she’s formed have carried her. “The friendships and support from my teammates boost your confidence and motivation.” Her favorite moment this season was when the team overcame nerves and rallied together during a tough race. “The energy was insane… Definitely a moment I’ll never forget.”

For Malia Swails, the 200 meters is a favorite because, “even if you get a bad start, you still have a little time to make it up.” She stays mentally focused by keeping to herself and listening to music. Her proudest achievements include trying high jump and hurdles for the first time. Hydration keeps her going during rough practices, and her advice to newcomers is simple: “Make sure you try and go to practice every day.”

Keyana Simmons also shines in the 200 and 4×1, events she finds fun and fiercely competitive. Pre-race, she often turns to her family for motivation. “Sometimes I call my mom or grandma… and on the line I tell myself to keep going,” she said.

One of her proudest moments was clocking a 29-second 200 at a Roy meet. She encourages new runners to stick with it: “You probably won’t like it in the beginning but it’ll get better… you’ll learn to enjoy it.”

Freshman Brianna Djhangmah is a rising star. “I started in 8th grade but not officially… people would tell me to join because I was tall,” she recalled. She’s most confident in the 100 hurdles and 200 meters and already boasts a major accomplishment: winning city champs and placing third overall in PSAL.

“That’s my proudest moment so far,” she said. Staying motivated comes from remembering her goals—and the support of teammates. “I have good supportive friends around me that keep me in check,” she said. Her advice to others: “Come in with a good mindset, don’t doubt yourself… just keep pushing.”

From Coach Taylor’s guidance to the athletes’ dedication and growth, the girls outdoor track team is more than just a collection of runners. It’s a community built on resilience, encouragement, and the shared pursuit of excellence — on and off the track.