Sports presents valuable life mold
It's been nearly a decade since Ryan Taylor laced up his sneakers and competed at Parkers Chapel. He played baseball and basketball for the Trojans, winning a state baseball title in 2011. He also played in the state championship game in basketball.
Now, a player in the business world, Taylor earned a Masters in Business Administration in 2016 from the University of Arkansas.
He said competing in sports laid a foundation for success in other areas.
“Playing sports definitely contributed in molding me into the person I am today,” he said. “I realized fairly early on, probably later than I should have, that I wasn't going to be a collegiate athlete. Coach (Clancie) Laymon was a phenomenal influence on me from 7th through 12th grade, shy of only my parents and grandparents. The lessons learned in Jack G. Walls Gymnasium during long summer workouts, after school practices, and home games on Tuesdays and Fridays were invaluable. Playing competitive sports growing up taught me about teamwork, dedication, conflict resolution, and finishing what you start. Sports have no doubt positively influenced me in my education and career.”
His academic and now professional pursuits have led Taylor all over the country and even into Spain. He said his heart remains at Parkers Chapel.
“When I was 18, high school sports were the end all be all for me. I loved playing sports for Parkers Chapel.
I've since realized it wasn't the actual basketball or baseball that were special.
It was the community, the friends, the families, and memories made along the way,” he said. “Perhaps I am naive, but I truly believe Parkers Chapel is such a special place. I love telling people in Fayetteville about my hometown. In addition, my family was instrumental in any success I've attained. I was blessed to grow up with an incredibly loving mom, dad, stepdad, stepmom, multiple sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friend's families that were second to none. I love them dearly, and I hope I can invest in kids at some point as much as they invested in me.”