GRAY DEYOSports Writer

Senior Wildcat Keegan Taylor on April 30 committed to Bryan College to continue his academic and golf career at the collegiate level.

Taylor’s skills on the course have allowed him this amazing opportunity, but another piece that he is bringing to the Lions’ program in the fall will push him to higher limits. That piece is his resilience. Taylor is a dual-sport athlete, so following the end of his senior golf season, he laced up his basketball shoes for his last season of hoops at THS. 

Going into the season there was high hopes on the outside looking in. The two seasons previous to the Wildcats’ 2024-2025 campaign, they had improved their record each season–finishing 8-19 in 2022-2023 and 17-14 in 2023-2024. And although expectations of the season were growing from fans, nobody knew how special of a team Tullahoma had, other than those on the inside. Taylor was set to be an integral part of the team’s success.

“He was a really good athlete. A quick and bouncy basketball player,” head coach of Tullahoma basketball Jason Welch said.

“He is one of the best shooters I have coached at Tullahoma. I will miss his focus, great character, moral, and his willingness to finish all jobs completely.”

As seen from coach Welch’s statement. The 2024-2025 season did not go as planned for Taylor. He suffered a leg injury early in the season, and unfortunately never got healthy enough to return. His last days of playing basketball competitively at the high school were now behind him. Many people would give up and give in the moment that reality hit their ears.

Not Taylor.

Instead of doing that Taylor found new ways to help his team.

“Keegan was a great teammate even after he got injured. He passed, used pads in drills during practice, and supported his team in games. He was always good-natured and in a good mood,” Coach Welch said.

Taylor’s impact was not on the scoreboard this year for the Wildcats during their run to state, but his impact in other aspects helped in getting them there.  

The resilience and high character he showed during this process fit hand in hand with the game of golf. Golf by many is considered the most mentally asking sport. Taylor through this experience has shown that he has the mental fortitude to get past adversity, which will be helpful in all of the highs and lows that come with the sport. 

The Lions are getting a great talent in the fall—Taylor made it to the individual state tournament this year in golf. And the Lions are as well as getting a high-character guy. 

Keep an eye out for Keegan, as he takes this next step in his sports career.