ESPN analyst and host Maria Taylor took time out to meet with K体育 athletes on a Zoom call Tuesday afternoon to discuss ways student-athletes and coaches can influence positive change in their communities. The call was moderated by K体育 Women鈥檚 Basketball Coach Alex Richey ’11, a former high school classmate of Taylor鈥檚.
Taylor spoke about the importance of open communication, showing solidarity, and becoming knowledgeable on the subject at hand, especially when using social media as the platform for spreading a message. She also discussed how coaches can put systems in place that focus on community outreach and mentorship among athletes.
The recent killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor have shined further light on police brutality and racial injustice. The deaths have sparked protests across the country bringing national attention to inequalities primarily affecting the Black community. Taylor recently made headlines after appearing on ESPN鈥檚 First Take, a weekday morning sports debate show on trending topics, where she used her own platform to share her point of view as an African American woman and prominent sports media figure.
鈥淢y patience left my body when I watched George Floyd take his last breath. So, if that didn鈥檛 affect you and make you want to reassess the way you want to address a question that includes racial injustice in our country after you watch that man die in the middle of the street, something鈥檚 off,鈥� Taylor said on the show and his apology for his response about NFL player protests during the national anthem.
During her conversation with the K体育 athletes, Taylor explained that her job has been to host, report, and entertain. This initially led to some hesitation to appear on First Take, because the format is an opinion show. Taylor shared some insight into the reaction to her comments on First Take.
鈥淭here was a fallout, but what I felt was important in that moment was to hold people accountable and understand that our words mean something.鈥�
Taylor was also asked by students to share what she has seen that makes her optimistic about society moving forward.
鈥淭he youth that鈥檚 been involved in non-violent protesting has been amazing,鈥� Taylor said. 鈥淏ut, honestly, it鈥檚 been people鈥檚 willingness to listen.鈥�
鈥淚 believe we are on the precipice of something big. We鈥檝e already ignited this flame. I just hope it turns into this huge fire that continues to burn. But, it鈥檚 up to you guys to make sure that keeps happening. It starts in your community. It starts with your team. It starts with these conversations. Let鈥檚 just start to build up the America we want to live in.鈥�
was a two-sport athlete at Centennial High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. After high school, Taylor attended the University of Georgia where she played volleyball and women鈥檚 basketball and found her passion for sports broadcasting. She鈥檚 also a co-founder of the , a nonprofit that creates opportunities for a new generation of diverse leaders in the sports and entertainment industry.
She has served in a variety of roles for ESPN, including hosting College Game Day and NBA Countdown.
