Taylor Marshall Submitted Photo

Members of the women’s cross-country team run in a race last fall. Taylor Marshall will serve as the team’s new coach for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

Where have you coached before?

North Central High School

How long have you been coaching in general?

I started coaching cross-country in 2013. I worked with the boys’ team only, then boys and girls, and then boys only again. I became the boys’ head track & field coach at North Central in 2018.

How do you feel about this year’s cross-country season as a new coach?

I’m so pumped about this upcoming season. I’m (doing) this shortly after our first summer practice. I’m so fortunate to join a program with a lot of hard working, dedicated girls.

What are some challenges you think you will face or have already faced as a new coach?

Every great opportunity will present new challenges which is why, in part, I wanted to become a Greyhound. Being a head women’s coach will be different from the past but that’s what makes this new adventure fun.

What plans do you have in order to get to know the team better?

We’ll do all types of team building activities. (Such as) “get to know you” questions after the run, a day trip to an amusement park, and a team camp. Most importantly, I will teach in the building and coach the girls year-round, (which) means we’ll get to know each other pretty well.

What coaching traditions/practices will you bring over from your previous school to CHS? Tradition.That’s a word that I’ve heard a lot when talking about the Carmel Cross Country program. Traditions that are most important to the girls will continue. This is something I’ve shared with the girls. After all, It’s my job to ensure the girls work hard, get better, and have fun.

What coaching traditions/practices from CHS will you continue?

In terms of bringing over previous practices, I really want to build on the family atmosphere of the program, (such as) pasta dinners, tailgates after the meet, and team hangouts help build chemistry and a “we” mentality.