Tristen Taylor, a point guard for Temple University’s women’s basketball team, has been recognized with the Kay Yow Servant Leadership Award for the 2025–2026 season. Taylor was nominated by her coaches for this national honor, which is awarded to NCAA women’s basketball student-athletes who demonstrate servant leadership, selflessness, and dedication—values championed by the late Coach Kay Yow.
Taylor said she chose Temple after an encouraging first conversation with the coaching staff. “I felt loved after that first call with Temple’s coaching staff,” she said. “I was overlooked because of my height (at 5 feet, 5 inches), but they saw how I played and didn’t care about my size. From the beginning, the coaches have had trust and confidence in me.”
Head Coach Diane Richardson praised Taylor’s commitment to service and leadership. “It is truly an honor to have a student-athlete so deeply committed to serving our communities,” Richardson told Owl Sports. “Tristen has consistently demonstrated exceptional servant leadership, and we are incredibly proud to see her nationally recognized with the Kay Yow Servant Leadership Award. Kay Yow inspired countless individuals, and her legacy continues through student-athletes like Tristen. She represents our program and Temple University with great pride and integrity.”
The award honors the legacy of Kay Yow, a renowned women’s college basketball coach who battled breast cancer for over two decades while motivating others to drive change in their communities.
“This award means a lot because it’s important to me to be a good person all around,” Taylor said. She credited her family as key supporters: “They’ve always given me love and encouragement,” she said. “They’re my reason and what motivates me every day.”
On court this season, Taylor achieved a personal best of 19 points against George Mason in November and recorded eight assists versus George Washington. She says being part of Temple’s team has built her confidence: “I’ve learned that confidence will carry you through life,” she said. “Confidence can determine everything from your performance to your daily routine.”
Off court, Taylor is majoring in management information systems at Temple University and plans to pursue a career as a software or cybersecurity engineer.
Taylor reflected on her journey since joining Temple: Her initial expectations from that first phone call have matched her experiences as both an athlete and student at the university. She hopes that receiving the Kay Yow Servant Leader Award affirms her character.
