Experiencing firsts are starting to be familiar for new teacher and coach Braelynn Taylor. Taylor graduated from Texas State in May and joined the volleyball coaching staff over the summer.  

Taylor, who played volleyball and basketball in college, loves being on the coaching end of things.

“When a kid is able to figure out a skill that they have been working on, and it clicks, there is nothing better,” Taylor said.  

Another first for Taylor has been becoming a co-worker to her parents, who are both on staff. She said working with her parents has been a lot more fun than she expected. 

“I was nervous at first,” Taylor said. “I thought we were going to bump heads, but I actually really love it.”

Taylor is a big “family girl,” so she enjoys working with her parents and being with them outside of work. And to add yet another first to her growing list, Taylor is expecting and will have her first baby this spring.

“I am due in March,” Taylor said. “I am so excited about being a mom.” 

Her relationship with her own mom is one of the reasons she came to Buffalo.

“I missed being with my mom,” Taylor said. “Even though I wasn’t that far from home, I missed seeing her.” 

She sees her mom plenty these days, from 6 am volleyball practices to tournaments and games and planning in between. Trying to balance both work and a life outside of that can be a little difficult, but Taylor said she relaxes with reading, baking, and the occasional concert.  

“I just went and saw the band Turnpike Troubadours, and I had so much fun,” Taylor said. “I had to sit in the front row.”

But the concerts and relaxation is taking a backseat to volleyball for now, and as glad as Taylor is that she made the move to Buffalo, the players are glad, as well. 

“Coach Taylor has been a great addition to our coaching staff,” senior Gracie Taylor said. “She’s a really determined coach, and she helps us fix our mistakes.”