"I'm really excited to be here," Taylor told his new team during his first speech to the Lions. "I look forward to showing you what I can. I'm back in the Valley to give back to you guys."
The Lions are getting a coach who knows how to win, dating all the way back to his high school days at Bullard. Taylor was part of the Knights' first Valley championship team in 1994, earning player of the year honors.
"I didn't know how big it was until it actually happened," Taylor admitted. "I didn't even know it was their first valley championship, and that was in '94. I think it embedded a winning mentality."
And that's what he hopes to bring to the Lions, who are fresh off a 12-12 season and looking to make an even bigger jump next year.
"Bring some excitement and build a future for Kerman," Taylor answered when asked what his goals were for the upcoming season. "Not only for this year, but build a foundation for years to come."
"We're hoping that giving him a chance here for his first coaching job, it will all come together so we can just propel the program forward," said Kerman Athletic Director Chris Melgoza.
Taylor's future players are already impressed, saying his energy and enthusiasm has them wishing they could get started immediately.
"Summer ball," junior Michael Mendrin said when asked what he's looking forward to the most. "He's going to get stuff going real fast. It's not going to be a big wait. I want to get it going now."
"I like his attitude," said freshman Brandon Smith. "He's just funny. He seems like we're going to have a lot of fun this year."
And that's fine with Taylor, as long as his squad is ready to put in some work.
"It's a family thing," said Taylor. "I'm excited. The energy is going to be there because I'm feeling like I'm a player as well as a coach."
