Shield T.: Cover Story

SHIELD TAYLOR

MORE THAN AN ATHLETE, TAYLOR REVEALS THE ORIGIN OF HIS MOTIVATION.

wby: Emily H.

Standing on the Mandeville football field, during the second round of playoffs for the Alexandria Senior High Football team, Shield Taylor was getting ready to begin a crucial game for the

Trojans. He told his mom, Ronda Taylor, earlier that day to not worry about coming to the game that night because of the long, strenuous drive; he would have preferred her to go home and rest after an exhausting day at work. As Taylor looked into the stands, with stadium lights beaming into his eyes, he caught a glimpse of his mom cheering on the Trojans.

“I did what I had to, so I could always be there,” said Ms. Taylor. No matter what it takes, Ronda

Taylor is at every event that her children are involved in.

As a young boy, Taylor realized his passion for football at Brame Middle School. He was always larger than most of the boys his age, so he was gifted with the necessary skill set for a tight end.

When asked why Taylor has kept with football for the past six years he replied, “I realized I liked football when I enjoyed the process more than I did winning.” Taylor’s dream growing up was always to play football. “As a kid, it’s everyone’s dream to play in the NFL or play at college, so yes, I thought I would [make it]”, Taylor said. He admits that Stanford was never in the picture, mainly because he did not think he would academically qualify. Now, Taylor has a full scholarship to play at Stanford University. Taylor’s interest in football goes far past his own personal success. His family’s well being has always been a top priority. “I’ll put my mom where I want her to be and my siblings in a good place as well,” Shield said. For most, football is all about the win and success; for Taylor, it’s much deeper: his goal is providing his family with their best possible life. Taylor contributes his success to his siblings. Skylar, Suede, and Slate have been with him “through thick and thin”, and their bond is unbreakable. “They have taught me how to be me. I would not be the person I am today without them”, Taylor said. Skylar,

Taylor’s sister, was the one who he refers to as his “backbone”. Her guidance and quality time help Taylor navigate his world and the decisions that have been placed before him. Another guiding figure in Taylor’s life is his mother, his role model. Ronda Taylor has been determined and hard-working her whole life. In high school, she juggled four jobs and 12 ASH/CENTRIC

PHOTO COURTESY SKYLAR TAYLOR

started working as a hairdresser at the age of 17. Taylor says that she is the toughest, most reliable woman he knows. She is always curious about Taylor’s progress on the field and in the classroom.

“Everything that I had ever done was worth it”, said Ms.Taylor. Throughout all of the years, Taylor’s mom never missed an event that her children were involved in; she sacrificed many things to better her children.

Taylor partially contributes his football success to the struggles of his past. Without them, he would not be the person he is. His siblings had the biggest impact on him. “I felt like they were the only ones there at times,” he said. Whether it was in the stands or right next to his hospital bed, they were always encouraging him.

Taylor exemplifies a genuine sense of self. Although experiencing both hardships and successes in the past 17 years, his ability to live in the moment propels him to continue persisting and conquering each day with conviction and purpose.