Taylor Ward ‘14BC returned to Morningside Heights as a volunteer assistant coach on head coach Stephanie Glance’s staff prior to the 2014-15 season.
Columbia saw many first fall in Ward's first season as a coach in 2014-15, as it posted the most victories in five seasons with an 8-20 overall record and 2-12 mark against the Ivies. During non-conference action, Columbia not only played in back-to-back overtime contests for the first time, but won both outings versus Rhode Island (Nov. 24) and Bradley (Nov. 26). To close out of league action, the Lions limited NJIT to 38 points, the fewest points allowed since keeping Skidmore at 32 in December 1986. Records fell throughout conference play as well. On Jan. 24, Columbia held Cornell to 46 points, the fewest points allowed in an Ivy League game since March 4, 2011 vs. Yale (W, 46-42). The Lions downed the Harvard Crimson, 59-43, Feb. 13, for the first time under the roof of Levien Gymnasium in program history. For their efforts, the Lions garnered a program-best seven Ivy League weekly awards highlighted by Camille Zimmerman’s six Rookie of the Week accolades, which is also a program first.
Ward brings player experience to the Lions, as the former Columbia guard earned four varsity letters during her time in Columbia Blue. As a senior in 2014, Ward led the Ivy League in minutes played with 36.0 per game and averaged 9.0 points, 3.03 assists and 3.6 rebounds per contest. The Oregon City, Oregon, native’s career statistics stands at 6.6 ppg and 2.4 rpg in 105 games played.
The sharp shooter makes the transition into the coaching role after being one of just 50 women’s basketball players across all three divisions of the NCAA to receive an invite to WBCA’s ‘So You Want to Be a Coach’ in March 2014.
Ward, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Cultures, currently resides in New York City.
